A letter to my mental health

Dear Mental Health,

I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to connect with you and express my understanding of the significant role you play in my life. There is strong evidence that supports the notion that human connection and feeling valued by others are fundamental needs that contribute to our overall well-being and functioning in the world.

I have come to realize that social relationships are critical for promoting my own well-being and acting as a buffer against mental health challenges, regardless of age. In light of this understanding, I am committed to doing something different today, something that will foster connection.

Instead of resorting to emails and texts, I will make an effort to talk to someone directly, engaging in meaningful conversations. I will step out of my comfort zone and approach someone new, opening myself up to new perspectives and possibilities. Furthermore, I will ask about someone's weekend and genuinely listen to their response, acknowledging their experiences. I will also set aside five minutes of my time to truly inquire about someone's well-being, demonstrating my care and support. Lastly, I will consider giving a new colleague help in their efforts, a person to talk to or a person to moan at - fostering camaraderie and connection.

Recognizing the importance of physical activity for my mental well-being, I will prioritize being active. Numerous studies have shown that regular exercise is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups. Therefore, I will choose to take the stairs instead of the lift or escalator, encouraging physical movement. During my lunch break at home, I will go for a walk, immersing myself in the rejuvenating power of nature. If possible, I will exercise with a friend or colleague, not only benefiting from the exercise but also nurturing our connection. Additionally, I will opt to walk the long way round to the shops, to the car, to taking the bins out. Helping to organise a work sporting activity or engaging in a casual kick-about are also on my list. Moreover, I will dedicate a few minutes in the morning to perform gentle exercises or stretches to invigorate my body and mind. Lastly, I will challenge myself to walk to someone's desk instead of resorting to impersonal calls or emails, fostering face-to-face interactions.

I understand the significance of being present and taking notice of the world around me. By cultivating awareness, I can strengthen my overall well-being and broaden my perspective. Therefore, I will make a conscious effort to take notice of my environment and savour each moment. To enhance my home workspace, I will acquire a plant that brings a touch of nature into my surroundings. I will also dedicate a day to decluttering, promoting a sense of calm and orderliness. Furthermore, I will pay attention to the feelings and actions of my colleagues, demonstrating empathy and support. Lastly, I will explore new places for food, embracing novel experiences that stimulate my senses and curiosity.

Continued learning throughout life has been proven to enhance self-esteem, encourage social interaction, and lead to a more active lifestyle. Consequently, I am eager to embark on a journey of knowledge and personal growth. Today, I commit to finding out more about my colleagues, delving deeper into their interests and stories. Additionally, I will sign up for a class that piques my curiosity, enabling me to expand my horizons. Engaging in reading, whether it be the news or a book, will further enrich my mind and understanding of the world. For mental stimulation, I will challenge myself with crossword puzzles or Sudoku. Moreover, I will dedicate time to research topics I've always wondered about, satisfying my thirst for knowledge. Lastly, I will strive to learn a new word each day, broadening my vocabulary and appreciation for language.

Finally, I am aware of the profound impact that giving back to the community can have on overall well-being. Engaging in charity, social and community activities has attracted considerable attention in the field of well-being research. Trying to work closer with The Kaleidoscope Plus Group will foster deeper connections to those that need support. By showing interest in helping others, I can increase my own happiness and satisfaction. Therefore, I commit to committing acts of kindness at least once a week over a six-week period, knowing that this will positively impact my well-being.

Dear Mental Health, I hope this letter conveys my sincere dedication to nurturing and prioritizing you in my life. By fostering connections, engaging in physical activity, cultivating awareness, pursuing lifelong learning, and giving back to others, I am confident that I can enhance my well-being and find joy every day.

With gratitude and determination,

Doug Brown