National Allotments Week 8th - 14th August

This week is National Allotments Week. Here at Electric Works we want to share the importance of mental wellbeing which can be enhanced by mindful activities such as gardening.

Mental health and wellbeing of staff is incredibly important in the workplace; staff should feel that they have a healthy work/life balance in order to promote happiness.

What is mental health?

Better up says...

"Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual can cope with everyday stressors, work productively, reach his or her full potential, and contribute to their community. Mental health, along with physical health and social well-being, is an essential component of overall health. "

Good mental health is important to maintain in the workplace, primarily for the staff member's own happiness and stability but also to prevent added stress from work which effects performance at work.

Mindful activities and how they can help...

Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to the present moment, using techniques like meditation, breathing and yoga. It helps us become more aware of our thoughts and feelings so that, instead of being overwhelmed by them, we’re better able to manage them. This can also be found in calming activities which an individual finds enjoyable and helps remove them from any pre-existing stress.

Gardening is one example of a mindful activity which has so many helpful benefits:

Benefits of Gardening for Mental Health

Improves mood. The concentration that comes with gardening can help you reduce negative thoughts, and take your energy away from feelings of stress. Gardening can make you feel more peaceful and content.

Boosts self-esteem. Gardening can help your self esteem as you find pleasure in the accomplishment of growing plants.

Provides exercise. Things like weeding, digging, and raking are a good exercise. Regular exercise reduces anxiety, depression, and other mental issues, as you release endorphins when exercising

Encourages social interaction. Gardening with others can help to form bonds as it requires teamwork - also the chance to interact with others that you may have never met. This all feeds back into an increased quality of mental health as you feel part of a community. This is where allotments come in.

There are plenty of allotments and community gardens in and around Sheffield...

Click here to see Sheffield City Council's list.