On the 10th October every year, World Mental Healthy Day is recognised. The aim of World Mental Health day is to develop awareness and create a positive platform to share experiences, advice and support.
By creating conversations and highlighting the importance of talking about people’s mental health issues we begin the ability to break down the stigma that can be associated with mental health.
Did you know that 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health issue and in England and 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem such as anxiety and depression in any given week? These figures demonstrate that it is very important to prioritise yourself and to ensure your friends and family are also feeling supported and happy.
In light of World Mental Health Day, we have decided to focus on some helpful advice and share this.
Take up a hobby or interest
Mental well-being improves our performance at work, our quality of life at home and our self-esteem. It also helps us feel calmer and more content with our lives.
Hobbies create an opportunity for precious ‘me-time’ and for many people, they can be a means of social connection, particularly among younger demographics. Mintel’s UK hobbies statistics reveal that one-third of hobbyists aged 16-34 are using their hobbies and interests to improve their social life.
Make time for things that make you happy! It could be your favourite hobby, learning a new skill, or just taking a break. Knowing what makes you happy can help you feel better, reduce stress, and boost your self-esteem.
According to their recent research published by Mintel, 2023 hobby activity surged during the COVID lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, but overall activity has now fallen as consumers are cutting back on discretionary spending due to the cost of living crisis.
For half of the workforce, COVID-19 has disrupted normal weekday lifestyle routines. Flexible working can enable people to have more opportunities to find new time for leisure activities such as fitness classes or hobbies. Those working entirely at home, or at a mix of at-home/out-of-home locations, show higher levels of participation in many hobbies than those working mainly or entirely out of the home.
UK hobbies statistics
- Consumer hobbies and interests in the UK: Reading is the most popular hobby in the UK – 67% of adults read books for pleasure.
- Consumer hobbies and interests in the UK: 44% of Brits choose to do their hobby to help manage stress.
- Consumer hobbies and interests market growth: 26% of hobbyists agree that their hobbies now have a higher priority in their life compared to prior to COVID-19.
Every mind matters
When it comes to taking care of our mental health, having a plan is a great first step. The NHS Every Mind Matters campaign, with the moto ‘What works for me’, brings a very simple and useful tool that you could promote in your workplace.
- Get good sleep: Getting good sleep makes all the difference to feeling energised and positive. Try going to bed a bit earlier, read a book and try and staying off screens before you go to sleep can also be help. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that you should stop using electronic devices, like your mobile phone at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
- Connect with others: Taking time out with friends and family is always beneficial. Finding someone whom you feel comfortable with to talk to, is always a good way to help.
- Live a healthy life: Our mental health goes hand-in-hand with our physical health. Being active, enjoying the outdoors and having a balanced diet can all help to boost our mood.
Employer well-being responsibilities
Employers have a responsibility to help their employees with mental health issues and to foster postive mental health of their workforce.
At JL Executive Recruitment, we care like a family and help each other out when needed. We plan many things throughout the year, ranging from walks, simply going for a coffee and a chat plus fiendish fun nights out in escape rooms!
Office dogs
Dogs have a positive effect on people, especially if they suffer from stress, depression or anxiety. Nelly the Bichon Frise is a regular office visitor and has lots of tummy tickles and treats. It’s never a dull day in the office with Nelly!
Mental health support
We can all do small things to improve our mood or reduce stress – we just have to figure out what works best for us. Whether it’s going for a walk in the park, getting a good night’s sleep, or simply opening up to someone new, our little thing – if we continue to do it – will make a huge impact on our overall well-being.
Mental health resources
Mind: www.mind.org.uk
NHS Every Mind Matter: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/
