Mental Health Awareness Month/National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and on May 11th, the United States celebrates National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. This is a time for parents, caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals to come together to raise awareness of the importance of children’s mental health and wellbeing. This year, Otter Learning is excited to share a new initiative that can help everyone feel good and make a difference in the lives of others.
LL Bean, the well-known outdoor retailer, has introduced a new "Feel Good Challenge" to encourage people to spend time outside and improve their mental health. The company is donating $25,000 to Mental Health America and will double that amount to $50,000 if the challenge is met. By participating in the challenge, you can make a positive impact on your own mental health and help raise awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing. A number of our team members from Otter Learning have joined the challenge HERE, including our very own (and incredibly talented!) Business Development Coordinator, Kimberly Fernandez.
In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of spending time outside, the importance of children's mental health, and how Otter Learning is committed to supporting mental health awareness for both parents and potential employees.
The Benefits of Spending Time Outside
There are many benefits to spending time outside, including physical and mental health benefits. Being outside can boost your energy levels, increase your vitamin D intake, and improve your immune system. Additionally, it can restore focus, improve vision, and enhance creativity. Outdoor learning has become increasingly popular in recent years as research has shown that it can reduce stress levels, cortisol levels, muscle tension, and heart rate. Just 30-45 minutes outside every day can elevate your mood, fight depression and anxiety, and reduce mental fatigue.
The Importance of Children's Mental Health
Children's mental health is just as important as their physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in six children in the United States have a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. These disorders can affect a child's ability to learn, communicate, and form relationships with others. Additionally, they can impact a child's overall health and wellbeing. Early intervention and treatment can help children with mental health disorders lead happy and healthy lives.
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, celebrated on May 5th, is a time to recognize the importance of children's mental health and wellbeing. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the resources available to parents and caregivers to support their children's mental health needs.
Otter Learning's Commitment to Mental Health Awareness
At Otter Learning, we understand the importance of mental health and wellbeing for children, parents, and employees. We believe that every child deserves access to high-quality care that supports their physical, emotional, and mental health needs. That's why we have created a safe and nurturing environment that fosters children's overall development and wellbeing.
We are also committed to supporting our employees' mental health and wellbeing. We believe that when our employees are happy and healthy, they can provide the best possible care for our children. We offer a range of benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, and access to mental health resources and support.
As part of our commitment to mental health awareness, we encourage parents and potential employees to participate in LL Bean's Feel Good Challenge. By spending time outside and documenting their activities, they can make a positive impact on their mental health and help raise awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing.
Mental Health Awareness Month and National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day are important times to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and the impact it has on our daily lives. As a childcare, daycare, or preschool company, it is important to prioritize the mental health and well-being of both children and employees. By taking the time to educate ourselves and those around us, we can create a positive and supportive environment that fosters growth and well-being. We hope that this blog post has inspired you to take action and make a difference in the lives of those around you. Remember, small actions can have a big impact, and by participating in LL Bean's Feel-Good Challenge, you can make a difference in your own life while contributing to a great cause. Let's continue to raise awareness and prioritize mental health every day.