Nature Therapy.
Do you know what your tools are? What habits and rituals you can reach when in need? Mental health and its complex layers, guises, and representations is something which, thankfully, we can all talk a little more openly about now - but do we know how to help ourselves?
We've found our toolkit completely by accident, whilst on a mission to make our lives and careers feel more fulfilling and true to ourselves. In a bid to itch the 'there has to be more to life' feeling when we worked long stressful hours in large city agencies, we'd escape into nature at any moment that we could. Filling the edges of days with adventure, seeing new places, and pushing ourselves came with benefits beyond the feeling of 'living' - the grappling knot of stress that we'd carried in our bellies for years was starting to disappear. We were sleeping better, had more energy, and genuinely felt like we could handle life with a little more clarity. We had found what we didn't even realise was missing from our lives. This 'squeezing' time outside in the edges of life had to change, being outdoors had to become a priority - and Off Grid was born.
At Off Grid we are still designers, and therefore still have to run a business - both of which, unfortunately, involve hours and hours in front of a screen (hasn’t anyone invented a way to hike and design yet?!) but time outside takes precedence. We know we are at our happiest, calmest, and clearest of mind when we get a good ol' dose of the good stuff, so we try (I say try, it's still always a battle to ensure we keep to our mission) to get outside when we can. Our tools in doing so have become the following:
Morning light. Whatever the weather, for however long - we know that getting outside for at least half an hour first thing will set us up for the day. Without it, we're sluggish and tired and it takes a couple of hours to get going. There are countless studies about the benefits of early light, kick-starting your circadian rhythm.
Weekday adventures. Whether it's fitting them in before work, at lunch, or after work - a mini adventure in the week feels like magic added bonus. It doesn't have to be anything big. A quick dip in a local river before breakfast, watching the sunset with a brew, running around a local forest after work, cycling to a local beauty spot, and back at lunch - let your imagination run wild. Alastair Humphreys has lots of great ideas.
The thinking stomp. When the ideas aren't flowing, you're unhappy with your work, stressed, or you're just not feeling it - sitting at your screen isn't helping anyone. Get up and get outside. Just walk around the block, up a hill, or even just potter around the garden for ten minutes. I promise you, it can only help. It doesn't even have to involve getting outside. Just get up out of your chair, work somewhere else, stand up and stick some paper to a wall to start sketching ideas - just move and escape the confines of your chair.
Meet people outside. Off Grid working meetings are almost exclusively held outdoors. When we need to talk about big business things, it's best to do it with dirt under our feet and wind in our hair. Conversations flow more freely, the setting invites more openness and honesty, and you get the added whammy of talking through problems, whilst also getting all the aforementioned outdoor goodness.
Walk and talk. Related to the above, but if you need to have a chat remotely with a colleague that doesn't need to write anything down, grab your mobile, shove on your boots and walk and talk.
Work a four-day week. Not an option for everyone, but for those thinking about taking the plunge - do it!
As the world is currently on fire, looking after yourself mentally is more important than ever. When the revolution comes, we all need to be in tip-top shape, so find your tools, find your people and look after yourself.
Note: We are not healthcare professionals - these ideas come from our own experience. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please speak to your healthcare provider or a charity like Mind UK.