World Mental Health day was created by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness of mental health issues and increase diagnosis and treatment efforts! It is observed every year on October 10th and each year is assigned a new theme which focuses on a particular mental health diagnosis. For example in 2019 the theme was Suicide Prevention and in 2018 it was Young People and Mental Health. COVID-19 rapidly brought many changes to our day-to-day lives and this can definitely have an effect on our mental health which is why it is especially important to acknowledge Mental Health Day this year! The challenges Covid-19 has caused are not only physical for those who have been affected but also mentally impactful for everyone around the world. From healthcare workers selflessly caring for those affected, to students who are missing face-to-face learning & quality time with their friends, to small business owners concerned for their livelihood, these challenges can foster depression or anxiety. If you are concerned for your or a loved one’s mental health, we encourage you to check out the mental well-being resources that the World Health Organization provides. We’re all about health and happiness here at Hamama, and we hope growing your microgreens through this tough time has been a source of easy self care and mood boosting for you! Adding some plants to your living spaces is an easy way to start a new healthy routine! One study found that interacting with plants actually relieves both physiological stress as well as negative psychological symptoms.¹ Now that it’s autumn, we can really take advantage of all of the beauty that goes along with it!Get festive with colorful gourds, pumpkins, indian corn, bales of hay and pine cones! You can plant or set out potters of Fall flowers, get an early start by planting your Spring bulbs, and even plant frost-tolerant vegetables! Of course, it is also the time of year to admire the changing colors of the leaves and crisp air - try to make a point to get outside to rake (and make leaf piles to jump in of course), hike, or check out fun Halloween decorations. Check out this blog post for more ways to make the most of Fall and stay connected with nature to boost your mood! Sources: Lee, Min-Sun et al. “Interaction with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress by suppressing autonomic nervous system activity in young adults: a randomized crossover study.” Journal of physiological anthropology vol. 34,1 21. 28 Apr. 2015, doi:10.1186/s40101-015-0060-8