Mental health: taking on the Welsh 3000s in aid of Mind
Matt Jones on tackling the Welsh 3000s challenge as we fundraise for Mind, the mental health charity:
How spending time in nature, with friends, can benefit us all.
For the third time, PDP London staff will be spending a weekend up in the wilds of Snowdonia attempting to scramble up and down 15 peaks above 3,000ft. The trek will be over a rocky distance of 50km with a total ascent of 4,000m; a challenging route that tests both your physical and mental stamina.
Every year we have attempted this challenge, we have finished with tired, aching legs, sore feet and fond memories - and we’ve all been asleep on the train back to London!
We return with smiles on our faces and that warm, glowing sense of achievement. For no matter how far each of us has walked, there is no escaping the wonderful feeling you get as you hobble into a warm pub, settle down with friends and talk all about the day's adventures over a well deserved pint.
Perhaps this is something that we are missing in our day to day lives, particularly over this last year or so: the ability to go outside, to enjoy the company of others and to share in a sense of achievement, no matter how big or small.
Being in nature has been proven to be beneficial to our physical and mental health. Whether that's a walking challenge like the Welsh 3000s or simply spending time in a nearby park - the benefits are clear. Improving your mood, reducing your stress, making new friendships and improving your confidence are just a few of those potential benefits.
So on the 26th June, please think of us as we walk out there in the wilds of Snowdonia, fundraising to raise awareness of the mental health charity, Mind. But, perhaps more importantly, take some time for yourself - go outside and find a bit of nature, no matter how small, close your eyes and try to simply listen to the world around you. When you do stop to think about it, it is all rather wonderful.
Look after yourself and look out for each other.
