'Nature has no deadlines' – ICAS Members mark Mental Health Awareness Week
To help us mark Mental Health Awareness Week, ICAS Members have been sharing their favourite places in nature.
This week, 10 to 16 May, ICAS has been marking Mental Health Awareness Week. The theme and focus this year is how being in nature can benefit our wellbeing. To help us highlight the occasion, ICAS Members have been sharing photos and telling us about their go-to places in the great outdoors.
Mhairi Sweeney CA
Being in the hills gives me space and time to breathe and recently has also given me a safe way to catch up with a friend for a chat in a very Covid-friendly way.
Kerrie Murray CA
My morning run sets me up for the day. I love the silence and seeing the sunrise as my head clears of all thoughts and I enjoy the scenery and typically some tunes too. One part of my run that I particularly enjoy is the view of Bennachie, a range of hills in Aberdeenshire.
Katherine Ritchie CA
One of my favourite places is the beach, to get a dose of vitamin sea. I find the fresh air and soothing sound of waves calming, and it usually helps me sleep better. Plus, the beach reminds me of fond memories of my childhood.
Jim Boyle CA
My perfect escape is Craigmaddie Reservoir just outside Glasgow. During the stresses and strains of lockdown and home working in the last year it has been my go-to place to clear the head, decompress and stretch the legs. Stunning sunrises and sunsets, perfect tranquility if you pick the right time of day, and if you’re really lucky you might meet some foxes, deer or herons up there. It always helps me put any problems into perspective and properly appreciate life’s positives.
Gavin Mackenzie CA
It does the world of good to be high in the mountains, away from computers and phones. Enjoying the scenery, the quiet and the challenge puts everything in perspective – nature has no deadlines.
Graham Getty CA
One of my favourite places for relaxing is Dunstable Downs in Bedfordshire. At 797 feet up (which normally means it is windy but good for clearing the head) the views over the countryside are spectacular. Or, when the grandkids are with me, we can spend hours watching the many gliders, paragliders, hang gliders and kite flyers.
Eilidh Paterson CA
I love a walk or a run down at Aberdeen beach as it looks different every time you visit and there’s so much to see. It’s a great way to clear your mind and get some bracing fresh air straight off the North Sea!
Michael Mallon CA
I try to spend time in nature or the great outdoors on a daily basis and I personally benefit a lot from time away from my desk. Taking a still moment in the fresh air, up one of Edinburgh’s seven hills energises me and allows me to appreciate everything I have. Every visit up one of the seven hills provides a unique perspective of this amazing city.
Healthy minds start here
ICAS has launched its new Mental Fitness Pledge. The pledge is part of the long-term strategic commitment we’re making to the wellbeing of our Students, Members and colleagues, to help us learn, grow and advance together.