{"id":892,"date":"2020-05-21T09:05:57","date_gmt":"2020-05-21T09:05:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.kcl.ac.uk\/ioppn-students\/?p=892"},"modified":"2021-01-15T15:58:13","modified_gmt":"2021-01-15T15:58:13","slug":"kindness-and-mental-health-awareness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.kcl.ac.uk\/ioppn-students\/2020\/05\/21\/kindness-and-mental-health-awareness\/","title":{"rendered":"Kindness and Mental Health Awareness"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Kindness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kindness matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At a time like this where the whole world feels uncertain, kindness<\/strong> is a simple, priceless and moving act. It is mental health awareness week<\/strong><\/a>, and kindness is fittingly this year\u2019s theme. Kindness and our mental health are innately connected; being kind can improve<\/a> others\u2019 wellbeing as well as our own, reducing stress levels and improving mood, self-esteem and happiness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You might be wondering how to be kind<\/strong>, what you can do to spread kindness\u2026 you\u2019re in luck because there are so many ways. You can offer someone you live with a cup of tea and a chat; I always say that a cup of tea is like a warm hug. You can check up on your friend who you may not have seen for a while, ask how they are and maybe share some laughs. You can share your knowledge and offer support to those who are struggling, if you are able. These are only a few ideas; there are countless more things you can do<\/a>, and you can be creative with it too.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What about being kind to yourself<\/strong>? This is immensely important. Being kind to yourself will allow room for happiness, positive feelings about yourself and even productivity. Working or studying from home may have proven more difficult than it seemed initially and that\u2019s okay. Be kind to yourself by taking breaks when you need them, recharging and resting. Sometimes all you need is some time to do your own thing, whether that\u2019s playing games, reading, exercising, napping or doing absolutely nothing (my favourite). It can be pretty difficult or disheartening to see others taking up new skills or being productive; it is important to remember that all of us are different and will have our own reaction to the new and unforeseen situation we are in. It is okay if you take this time to rest. It is okay if you don\u2019t pick up a new talent, like juggling oranges or baking bread. Be kind to yourself<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I\u2019m currently taking part in Miles for Mind<\/strong><\/a> to raise money for the mental health charity Mind<\/a>, as a member of the Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Lab<\/a>. We are all passionate about supporting mental health research and resources, therefore we\u2019re covering as many miles as we can throughout May to raise mental health awareness. This has been a wonderful experience so far; despite being apart physically, we have been able to run together for a fantastic cause, one that I hold close to my heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I am also taking part in Maytree Movement Marathon<\/a> <\/strong>to raise money for Maytree’s suicide prevention work. Maytree<\/a> offer 5 day-4-night house stays to people in suicidal ideation. As a volunteer befriender, I have had the pleasure of seeing the amazing and special work that Maytree does first-hand, and the hope and kindness Maytree spreads. You can keep up with all of the supporters\u2019 journeys (and my embarrassing dancing) this week here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any donations you could give are\nappreciated, no matter how large or small \u2013 if you\u2019d like to donate, the links\nare below: <\/p>\n\n\n\n