Nation’s Mental Wellbeing Has Significantly Declined Over Last Year,
Reveals New Research During Kalmfulness Week UK
New research demonstrates the negative impact that 12 months of political and economic uncertainty has had on Brits, with 1 in 5 (22%) saying their mental health and wellbeing has significantly worsened during this time.[i] This rises to 1 in 4 for both women (25%) and young adults aged 18-34 (27%).
The survey, commissioned by Kalms herbal remedies, also found that one third of Brits (33%) are ‘news shunners’, avoiding the news all together, and a quarter (27%) don’t discuss current affairs with friends, family or colleagues in a bid to protect themselves from increased worry and anxiety.
The findings are launched during the first ever Kalmfulness Week UK (21 – 27 November), an awareness week created to provide support and resources for anyone who would like to improve their emotional wellbeing. A newly coined term, ‘kalmfulness’ has been defined as the ‘the state or quality of being kalm, peaceful and untroubled in the midst of daily life’.
Research shows that kalmfulness has extensive benefits for both mind and body, and can be easily achieved through everyday practices:
- Gratitude journaling for five minutes a day can enhance long-term happiness by over 10%[iii]
- Just 40 days of daily mindfulness meditation can help reduce depression symptoms and lead to structural and functional brain changes[iv]
- 63% of UK adults agree that when other people are kind it has a positive impact on their mental health, with the same proportion agreeing that being kind to others positively enhances their own mental health[v]
- Multiple studies show that being creative can increase positive emotions, reduce stress, decrease anxiety, and even lessen depressive symptoms[vi]
- Research shows that acts of self-care, prioritising sleeping well and maintaining an active lifestyle, can help manage stress, lower the risk of illness, and increase energy levels[vii]
Commenting on the benefits of kalmfulness, psychologist and psychotherapist, Charlotte Armitage says:
“Dedicating just a few minutes a day to kalmfulness can maintain mental wellbeing, potentially reducing feelings of anxiety. As people spend time practicing, they’ll probably notice themselves feeling calmer and more patient. These shifts in experience are likely to generate changes in other parts of life as well. Often, people find they are better able to manage concerns about the future as they have better tolerance levels to cope with the stresses that are a normal part of life.”
To find out more about how to achieve kalmfulness and ways to participate in Kalmfulness Week, visit www.kalmfulness.com.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
