FECAVA Newsletter – May 2021
Dear colleagues,
A few weeks ago, in the middle of May, it was mental health awareness week; the theme this year was `connecting with nature`.
As Chair of the FECAVA mental health and wellbeing committee, I had every intention of writing articles and post every few days to help us highlight this important topic … but do you know what? I knew if I pushed myself to do this when I was already busy with work, life in general, and especially just now as we continue to deal with the pandemic, it would not be beneficial for my own mental health. I took the difficult decision (for me), and I didn’t push myself to work late into the evening to do this. This was hard, as I felt I was letting people down.
It is essential for all of us to consider ourselves. We need to look after our own wellbeing to then be able to help others – this is okay. So, although mental health awareness week is now past, it’s important to remember this isn’t just a focus for the week, but all year round. I am writing this and enjoying it and although busy, not feeling pressurised and out of control…because I took the decision that it’s ok if something didn’t get done that wasn’t life threatening.
Let’s go back to the topic `connecting with nature`; there is a lot of good research to support the role nature can play in helping us support our own mental health. Though for many of us ‘being in nature’ isn’t easy for a number of reasons – lack of time; not close to open spaces; no place to go for a walk; city dwelling. I spoke with a friend recently who struggles getting outside and we were discussing just this. Her reply was she watches the wildlife from her window whether that be next doors cat walking up her driveway or the birds around the bird feeder.
Until two years ago, I would often forgo even a 20-minute break in order to get through more work. Then the veterinary company I work with organised a Wellness Month and one of the `challenges` was to go for a walk, even for 10 minutes, at lunchtime…and…leave your phone behind! Now, being of a slightly competitive nature, I couldn’t resist this challenge! I will admit it was difficult – making time to go for a walk was one thing, even more so, not to take my phone. But do you know what? I did it. And I realised I really benefitted from it.
What can you do that will benefit your mental health? Give it some thought and make that small change; it is the small steps that help you on the longer journey.
Tricia
Chair, FECAVA Mental Health & Wellbeing Working Group
#FECAVAVetTeamWellbeing
https://mailchi.mp/fecava/fecava-newsletter-connect-with-nature