3 minute read
Greenhavens Network
Greenhavens Network NEW YEAR… A BETTER YOU
As a new year is upon us, it’s time to think how we can make this year better than the last one. 2022 was a year of many challenges. With the cost of living increasing all the time everyone will have been affected, and this takes a toil on our mental health and wellbeing, and thus our families and work.
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It’s time to reflect on how we can increase our mental wellbeing without having to spend money, and I think the answer lies all around us. Living in Sussex means we have a huge amount of green spaces we can use, both to increase our mental wellbeing but also our physical health. We really are only a short walk, bus ride, bike ride or car journey away from accessing some of the most beautiful parks, forests and green community spaces in this country.
For me in winter I find it very difficult to keep my mental health buoyant when the days are short with little sunlight, but what does keep my mind healthy is wrapping up and going for a walk. The sunsets in winter on a clear day are stunning, and early morning walks to watch the sunrise are not so early in the winter and well worth making the effort to get up and see. It’s a great way to start the day right, and get the blood pumping and the mind in the right frame to cope with whatever the day throws at you. With all the green spaces around, find the right one for you that soothes the soul and lifts your spirits when days are dark. Scientists now all agree the huge benefits that
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It’s also a good time to look locally and see what green community groups are doing, get involved in a local project and help make a difference to the biodiversity around us. Volunteering for me has lead me to work offers, increased my knowledge, and I have made great new friendships. When I look back over the last two years volunteering has opened up my world in a positive way I could have never dreamed of. Working for Greenhavens is a gift that keeps on giving, as I get to engage with local green groups and assist them in all their exciting new ventures. Plus, as I work from home it gives me the human contact and friendship I need for my mental wellbeing and ensures my physical health is good, helping outand breathing in the fresh air.
Greenhavens have many member groups on our website www.greenhavens.network. There is a group or project near you that would love some help and volunteering, or type into Google and find a project that suits you.
A local Green Group GIA, Gardening In Association runs a volunteering matching service – you can put in when you are available and GIA will match a project near you. For more information, please use this link to find out more.
www.gardeningin.org/our-work-in-thecommunity/volunteering-match-service
I cannot thank enough the people I have met through volunteering locally, the opportunities it gave me, the skills I have learnt, the long-lasting friendships and the wellbeing it gives me. Make 2023 the year you create a better you – you won’t regret it and have nothing to lose, but so much to gain.
From all of us at Greenhaven’s Happy New Year and we hope to see you at one of our events in the New Year.
Miriam Thundercliffe contact@greenhavens.network
