Our Bristol office has the huge benefit of having The Downs – over 440 acres of parkland – literally on our doorstep, and we like to take advantage of that easy access to nature whenever we can, whether that’s getting some fresh air during the working day or taking the opportunity to connect with colleagues outside the office environment.
To mark World Mental Health Day, a group of us stepped away from our desks and headed out for a lunchtime wellbeing stroll, taking the opportunity to slow down and switch off for a while in a pleasant change of scenery.
Bathed in sunshine and surrounded by the greenery and tranquillity of one of Bristol’s most popular outdoor spaces, the walk gave everyone a chance to recharge and de-stress. Spending time in nature is a simple yet effective way to support wellbeing, and the relaxed setting encouraged plenty of conversation, laughter and the opportunity to get to know colleagues from different teams a little better.
The event wasn’t about setting records or covering a particular distance; it was simply about taking some time for ourselves, enjoying the fresh air and recognising the importance of looking after our mental health.
Of course, no summer stroll would be complete without a treat along the way. As luck would have it, our route took us past an ice cream van, providing the perfect excuse to pause, cool down and enjoy an ice cream in the sunshine. It quickly became one of the highlights of the afternoon and gave everyone another chance to relax and chat before heading back to work.
We believe that supporting wellbeing goes beyond the workplace itself. Creating opportunities for colleagues to connect, unwind and take care of their mental health is an important part of our culture, and activities like this are a great reminder of the value of taking time out together.
