We're living through a pandemic that's creating a lot of new pressures - particularly when it comes to mental health. People aren't used to being so isolated, and it's causing a huge spike in feelings of depression and anxiety. Alongside the pandemic, we're seeing shorter days, bad weather and cold temperatures creeping in, all of which can negatively affect people's mental health. So what can you do if you're feeling low?
If you're feeling particularly down while you're stuck in isolation, there are things you can do. These small changes can help to improve your mood and mental health.
- Have a good routine in place
- Take time for self-care
- Set yourself small, achievable goals
As a company that specialises in home and garden renovations, we know the impact that an attractive, clean and functional space can have on mental health. One of the most attractive parts of our job is knowing that people are making a positive difference in their living space when they purchase our products. Today, we want to take a closer look at the effects of gardening on mental health to show you why it's important that you get outside in nature whenever you (safely) can.
The science behind seeing green
A particular study from Growing Health, a national scheme set up by the charity Garden Organic and the membership organisation Sustain, found that spending time in any natural green space, such as your garden, can help you to relax and reduce stress levels.
We're sure you already know that regular exercise can help you maintain better mental health. Getting out in the garden to mow the lawn, pull up weeds or play with the dog can provide you with a burst of endorphins that will instantly improve your mood.
Bringing the garden inside
If you're isolating at home or if you're experiencing a terrible bout of wet/cold weather, then you might want to consider bringing some plants and flowers inside. Creating a green space in a conservatory (or any room in the house) can instantly lift your mood and make you feel a little more in touch with nature.
Succulents are a great choice if you want a low maintenance green space that won't take up a ton of your time! These are available in most garden centres and supermarkets and they make great gifts for people who are feeling a little down at the moment.
Low maintenance home and garden
A great way to improve your mental health is to limit the number of stressful tasks you have to do around your home. We all know that getting motivated to clean the house can be difficult at the best of times, but doing it when you're having a particularly bad day mental health-wise can be almost impossible.
Here at AlfrescoPlus, we offer a selection of home improvement products such as composite decking and porcelain paving, which are designed to require a very small amount of maintenance. We pride ourselves on helping people create low-maintenance, stress-free homes so that they have more time for enjoyable activities.
READ MORE: Create a Low-Maintenance Garden with AlfrescoPlus
World Mental Health Day
World mental health day is just around the corner (10th October 2020) and we feel like this year it's going to be more prominent than ever. We really wanted to offer some help and advice for people struggling with mental health at this time of year, and we hope that this blog has inspired you to reduce your stress and get outside!
If you have any questions about our products, don't hesitate to get in touch - 0800 028 8756. We can advise you on the best low-maintenance products for your home.
