Mental Health Awareness Week takes place this month and it underpins Planet Earth Games challenges for May. For the entirety of the month, challenges will be co-hosted by the True Athlete Project (TAP).

TAP is a UK and US charity on a mission to create a more compassionate world through sport by designing and delivering a range of mindfulness-based programmes at all levels of sport. TAP’s practical, person-centred approach to changing the culture of sport demonstrates that nurturing mental wellbeing and enhancing performance go hand-in-hand.

TAP and Planet Earth Games share a belief in harnessing more of sport’s immense potential as a force for good in the world. Part and parcel of that mission is to ensure that everyone has a positive experience of sport, regardless of the level they achieve.

And also we recognise that the true value of sport lies in connecting with others, exploring new skills, and in the journey of personal growth.

This month’s challenges kick off with three-times Olympian sailor and TAP mentor Alison Young. The 2016 World Champion is challenging Planet Earth Games participants to connect with other people by sending a kind letter, text or email.

“Social connection can lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and actually improve our immune systems. By neglecting our need to connect, we put our health at risk,” according to the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Planet Earth Games subscribes to that there is a symbiotic relationship between human health and environmental health. So, as well as connecting with our fellow humans, we can also support our mental wellbeing by connecting with nature.

So, the Mental Health Foundation in England finds “Research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature can generate a multitude of positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, creativity and can facilitate concentration.”

This month’s challenges are designed to nurture healthy habits to support and maintain good mental health. Look out for new challenges every week this month. Good luck!