Mental Health and Mindfulness: Let's All Take a Deep Breath

Welcome to #TRVSTLOVES. We curate news, stories, ideas, and inspiration from across the world which demonstrate how real action can accomplish a positive social impact. In this edition, we’re focusing on the much-talked-about mental health and the art of mindfulness. We hope you enjoy reading….

Mindfulness in the Workplace

The Mindfulness Project is bringing mindfulness programs to the workplace. Based in London, this not-for-profit aims to spread the power of meditation to a much wider audience. According to research, mindfulness provides a myriad of benefits for employees at work: examples include improved focus, maintaining lower stress levels, and improved listening skills.

These are promising findings. This got us thinking about when we should be practicing mindfulness: perhaps there never is a "best time", perhaps we can find space throughout the day, including at work, to slow down, breathe and take note of our surroundings.

Kids who grow up around green space have better mental health

According to a recent study in Denmark, kids who grow up near green spaces have better mental health. More fresh air, more exercise, versus less screen time and less stress on social media - it seems a rather simple equation, doesn't it? According to the study, growing up in nature means there is a 55% less risk of developing various mental disorders later in life.

That's not really a stat that can be ignored, but of course, it's easier said than done, People in cities will often find that green space is limited, and convincing children to step away from social media can be a challenge. But as we said, it's an impossible statistic to ignore - check out these tips on how to get your kids outside and whether it's for your children, or for yourself, see if any resonate with you.

Oxford hip hop group tackle male mental health

Sometimes you hear about a new idea or initiative, and it gives you goosebumps because it's so good. This is one of those.... an Oxford hip hop group has set out to tackle mental health issues in boys and men. The group is called Body Politic, and the show, Father Figurine, wants to bash down those stigmas that men shouldn't be talking about their thoughts and feelings. But it's doing it in such an original and inspiring way, through the channels of spoken poetry and hip-hop dance.

This platform will reach so many different audiences, and deliver a key message in a unique way. We're really hoping to see more of this group as they set off on a nationwide tour.

Related: 48 Mental Health Tattoos

The naked professors are stripping down the perceptions of mental health

Launched at the end of last year, it's worth giving The Naked Professors podcast a listen -  we were hooked straight away by the two incredibly engaging presenters. Stripping down perceptions of mental health, these guys are having difficult conversations in a sincere and light-hearted way: it's a really enjoyable, yet thought-provoking listen. With new guests each week, there are plenty of tips and advice to give you food for thought, and we think it's encouraging to hear people being so open and honest about previously taboo subjects.

Related: Mental Health Quotes to Raise Awareness of Mental Illness

Getting your hands dirty

Have you read anything about this recently? It's been a bit of a trending topic, the notion that gardening can help with mental health. It harks back to the idea of getting out into nature and reaps many positive benefits for not only your body but also your mind.

Not everyone has the luxury of a garden, though, so if you don't have the outside space, or perhaps lack the time to start a new hobby, try starting with some potted plants and fruits, this guide looks like a good place for beginners.

Why we think mindfulness apps are positive

Fancy trying mindfulness or meditation but not quite sure where to start? We spotted this handy list of the best mindfulness apps out there at the moment, so take a look and see if there are any that suit you.

Whilst it can seem a bit counterintuitive to be practicing mindfulness via an app on a mobile phone (we're always being told we should be escaping technology in order to relax), we really think that for those new to the concept, an app is a great way of learning and developing your practice.

Why not try adding your mindfulness apps to the front page of your phone, and put the social media apps on page 2 or 3 so that they aren't right there as a constant temptation?