Connecting with Nature Improves our Mental Health and Biophilic Design can help too….
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and this year it’s all about how much nature benefits our mental health.
The Mental Health Foundation has revealed, that during the pandemic, walking outside was one of the top coping strategies and 45% of people found being in green spaces was vital for their mental health.
During lockdown, people not only spent more time in nature but were noticing it more.
“Connect with Nature” is the theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week.
At Quattro, we take mental health seriously, our trained mental health first-aiders have been on hand since the beginning of the pandemic to support staff through these challenging times. We also recognise the positive impact nature has on mental health and wellbeing.
Our flexi-time approach allows Rachel Hodges, our Marketing & Communications Manager to support her husband during busy times on the farm.
“I am very aware of the positive impact of nature on my wellbeing,” says Rachel
“During lambing, sometimes I get up in the middle of the night to give David a break and I can honestly say that once I am dressed and out in the night air, I feel so alive! Whether it’s a particularly bright sky or moon – or just hearing the first bleat of a new born lamb – I feel so invigorated. It never ceases to surprise me how magical these moments can be.”
Our cycle to work scheme has been in place since 2007.
We also have a Brompton bike to support staff who want to cycle to work or use a bike to attend local meetings. In fact, 10% of our staff regularly cycle to work. Later this month at Quattro we will be inspiring staff to connect with nature through Cycling UK’s bike week.
Shirley Park, Commercial Bid Manager regularly cycles to work,
“When I’m cycling I feel connected to the sights, sounds, and smells(!) of nature; it gives me a wonderful sense of freedom.
I cycle for leisure at weekends and commuting during the week. I feel good knowing that commuting by bike, rather than car, is better for the environment, better for my health and better for my pocket.”
Biophilic Design can bring nature indoors for those spending long hours inside.
Our innate attraction to the natural world and the positive power of nature on wellbeing is reflected in the success and benefits of biophilic design. For those of us that are not able to get out in nature – for whatever reason – the introduction of biophilic design can breathe life into our built environment by bringing nature indoors. The planting of trees in atriums, uninterrupted views, naturally inspired patterns and shapes, curved lines, natural lighting, ventilation and natural landscape features can all make us feel closer to nature. This promotes well-being and productivity, creating a healthier built environment for all.
Our Mental Healthcare Architects recognise the importance of biophilic design for those spending long hours in a hospital environment, this is equally applicable for staff as it is for patients.
Read more about our human-centred design :