World Mental Health Day is a yearly reminder of the importance of managing our wellbeing, talking about mental health and checking in with our friends and family. Of course, these should be everyday activities, too. 

We’re all regularly reminded of – sometimes bombarded with – the importance of “wellness”. It is absolutely important to look after ourselves. But when it becomes another item on the to-do list, it stops feeling quite so zen. And no wellness activity is a replacement for professional support like therapy. 

Just taking small moments to reflect or pause can help maintain our mental health. As our worlds become increasingly online-first, taking little breaks away from screens is great for our wellbeing and for creativity. 

At the Frameworks, we know that inspiration can come from anywhere. But the more open and refreshed we are, the more likely it is that inspiration will strike.  

Here are some of the small moments some of us Frameworkers find helpful. 

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‍Stop and smell the roses‍

I like noticing little things in nature: a flower that’s just opened up, leaves changing colour, an insect crossing my path, reflections in puddles. Focusing on something small and beautiful helps me feel more grounded. Sometimes I just lie on the ground and watch the leaves blowing in the wind.
Ella Pryor, Writer and Content Marketing Lead‍

‍Learn something new

I try to take a moment out of my day to focus on doing a lesson in French or Spanish on Duolingo. Learning about something completely out of my comfort zone that isn't connected to work helps me centre my mind and feel refreshed. Even five minutes away from my emails makes a difference. 
Meg Dale, Account Manager‍

‍Play the course‍

I play a round of golf once a week. Instead of playing against opponents, I play the course. I feel which way the wind is blowing, what the temperature is and what the weather conditions are to see how they're going to affect things. It helps me focus my mind and stay in the moment. And if I get all those things right and beat the course, I'll beat my opponents too.
Dale Smith, Operations Director‍
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‍Take note of the small things

I love the thought that while not every day is good, there is something good in every day. I practise this by writing down 1-3 things from each day that were good or that I was grateful for. Coffee from my favourite place. Messaging a friend. Something good on TV. Sometimes it’s the small things that mean the most.
Rose Stewart, Design Director

Take the plunge

Nothing energises me mentally and physically like an outdoor swim. I head to Beckenham Place lake whenever I’m free on a warm day (I’m not an all-weather swimmer yet). Once the shock of the cold water dissipates, it feels delicious: I’m wide awake and fully in the moment. Cruising alongside fluffy ducklings and jittery dragonflies is a real privilege, too. 
Louise Sheeran, Content Director‍

‍Listen to nature 

I love to leave my phone at home and go for a short walk in the hilly countryside where I live. The combination of movement, listening to the loud silence of nature and taking a break from technology recharges me mentally and physically.
Sergio Agosti, Lead Developer

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A lunchtime reset

I always go for a walk at lunchtime – preferably through green spaces, but I like wandering around the streets near the office too. It helps to take a proper break away from my laptop, get some fresh air and reset before the afternoon. I usually listen to a podcast or the radio so I often learn something new, too.
Ellie Hennessey, Insights Lead

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Easy watching 

My usual recipe for calm is a walk in the local park after work. But if I've had a particularly stressful day, there's nothing I love more than watching an episode of one of my favourite sitcoms – Peep Show, The Office, Parks and Recreation. They're old friends who don't demand too much brain power and never fail to chill me out.
Charlotte Irwin, Senior Writer and Editor

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Use running to explore 

Running might not be calming for most people, but it certainly is for me. Listening to music and exploring my local streets and parks is hugely beneficial to my mental health. And, hopefully, my physical health too.
James Trowman, Partner and General Manager

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Gentle gardening

The benefits of gardening on mental health are widely recognised. Pottering around the garden or tending to an indoor plant does wonders for my busy mind. Even five minutes here and there can be transformational and act as a reset during the day.
David Alexander, Creative Director, Head of Studio

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Professional support is always available 

As much as we value these moments, they are not replacements for professional support. Talking to friends or family about how you’re feeling is really important. And there are dedicated services like Mind and Samaritans who are there to help if you need them.