mental health Archives - Cards and Gift Wrap

Posted on October 1, 2023October 1, 2023 by janet — Leave a comment

What October Means to Me

October is my favourite month of the year, and it all starts with World Postcard Day!

World Postcard Day is celebrated on October 1st every year to promote the use of postcards as a means of communication. It dates back to the first printed postcard in Austria in 1869. On this day, people send postcards to friends and family to keep the tradition of handwritten communication alive.

And you can even put a special postmark sticker on your postcards to ‘mark’ the occasion.

Grab some World Postcard Day Stickers

What October means to me

My childhood October memories are (mostly) fond ones of the playground construction of the annual den.

The only play equipment in our school was a tree swing, some planks of wood and a few old tyres. But if you stuff the middle of tyres with damp autumn leaves and then prop them up with old planks of wood while filling in the gaps with more damp dead leaves you get a fantastic den. 🍁🍂🍁🍂

Then you get arguments over whose den it is and who’s allowed in but we’ll gloss over that bit 🙄

There are many other reasons why I love October, but the main ones are jigsaw puzzles, cozy nights in, socks, and hot chocolate.

October Jigsaw Puzzles

Puzzles are great for relaxation. As the days get shorter and colder, solving puzzles can be the perfect way to unwind. It’s a fun and calming activity to piece together the puzzle, revealing the image bit by bit. It’s also a wonderful way to spend quality time with loved ones, working together to complete the puzzle.

Start your next jigsaw puzzle

Cosy October Evenings

I really enjoy October because it’s perfect for cozy nights in. When the weather gets colder, there’s nothing better than snuggling up on the couch with a soft blanket and enjoying a good book or movie (and of course Strictly is in full swing!). I love listening to the raindrops on the window, lighting a scented candle, and feeling all warm and cozy. It’s a time to relax, take it easy, and appreciate the little things in life.

Make your own scented candles

A Highland Christmas Cow Mens Wrendale Christmas Socks

It’s all about the feet!

Socks are also a big part of October don’t you think?

As the weather gets colder, it’s time to break out the warm and fuzzy bamboo socks. There’s something very comforting about slipping your feet into a pair of soft, thick socks on a chilly morning. They keep your toes toasty warm, and add a little bit of fun and personality to your outfit.

And on Saturday nights when Strictly is on, light the fire and toast your tootsies while you indulge in all the glitz.

Get your cosy socks on

Hot Chocolate

Of course, no cozy night in would be complete without a steaming mug of hot chocolate. October is the perfect time to indulge in this decadent treat. Whether you prefer it plain and simple or loaded up with whipped cream and marshmallows, there’s no denying the comfort and joy that a good cup of hot chocolate can bring. It’s a little bit of sweetness in a world that can sometimes be bitter.

October is a month that holds a special place in my heart. It’s a time for jigsaw puzzles, cozy nights in, socks, and hot chocolate…and the beginning of Strictly escapism. A time to slow down, unwind, and enjoy the simple things in life. It’s a time to be grateful for the warmth and comfort that we have and to appreciate the beauty of the changing seasons.

What does October mean to you? Leave a comment and let me know.

Posted on May 18, 2020June 15, 2023 by janet — Leave a comment

Connecting with cards

With a new year, comes new cards from Flamingo Paperie. And they couldn’t come at a better time. Connecting with cards is a great way to keep in touch and lift someone’s spirits. A card really is like a big warm hug in an envelope.

It’s nothing new really. During WW1 and WW2 sending cards and letters increased from the weekly norm as people tried to keep in touch and boost morale. It’s happening again. Not a world war as such but during this pandemic the British people are turning to post to help lift spirits. Find out how people are connecting with cards during lockdown.

Sending greeting cards – the British way

Recently the ITV reported on the surge in mail that postal workers are experiencing. From 100th birthday cards, correspondence with loved ones and mail sent to those in care homes, the great UK greeting card is out to boost morale again. In ‘normal’ times the UK people send more greeting cards on average than anyone else in the world. With the average person in the UK sending 33 cards a year I think the figures for 2020 will be much, much higher. But we’ll have to wait for the Greeting Card Association annual report in a year or so before we find out exactly how many.

What does Connecting with Cards mean?

This week is UK Mental Health Awareness Week. Sending and receiving cards has been scientifically proven to help with mental health. I’m not sure we need science to tell us that. We all know the joy of a handwritten letter or card arriving on the doormat. Sending a card is an act of kindness. ‘Kindness’ is the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2020. But a handwritten card isn’t just an act of kindness it’s more than that too. It means taking a little time to think about someone else. Writing a card means you’ve thought about someone who quite possible feels very alone. And a beautiful greeting card isn’t easily forgotten. Instead it’s given pride of place to be seen and smiled at again and again and again.

Send a card, deliver a smile.

Posted on July 14, 2015June 21, 2023 by janet — Leave a comment

Cards ‘can support mentally ill’

It makes sense that receiving a card will lift your spirits but it seems we struggle to send cards to do just that unless there is a visible physical illness. In September we have ‘Thinking Of You’ week and on October 10th it’s World Mental Health Day.

The following article is from BBC NEWS | Health | Cards ‘can support mentally ill’.

Patients rarely receive cards or flowers when they stay in a mental health unit

People should consider sending cards and gifts to friends and family suffering with mental health problems, experts say.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists said cards and gifts were a simple way to support people with mental illness.

The college even said it may aid their recovery.

It made the plea after carrying out a poll of 131 mental health patients, which showed over half did not receive any gifts or cards when they were ill.

This compared with just a third who did not get presents the last time they were physically ill.

More than eight out of 10 of the people surveyed said receiving a “get well soon” card would help their recovery.

If anything increases feelings of isolation and unworthiness just when you’re at your lowest ebb, this does

The college is launching two of its own gift cards with the greeting: “Thinking of you at this time. Hope things improve soon.”

A spokesman said existing greeting cards often had inappropriate images and words that were not suitable for a mental health problem.

Dr Peter Byrne, chair of the college’s education committee, said: “I have worked in general and psychiatric hospitals for over 20 years, and there is no greater demonstration of the hidden prejudice against people with mental illness than the bedside lockers.

“In psychiatric units, there is barely a card or any other reminder that the outside world cares.

“People often don’t know what to do or say when a friend or relative is ill with a mental health problem – so they end up doing nothing.”

Trisha Goddard, a television presenter who has spoken about her battles with depression and breast cancer, said: “When I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, I was inundated with ‘get well soon’ cards all of which were really touching.

“If you’re thinking I only got those cards because I’m in the public eye, let me tell you this – when I lived in Australia, I was equally in the public eye and yet when news leaked out that I was in a psychiatric hospital following a breakdown, not a peep, no cards and certainly no flowers.

“If anything increases feelings of isolation and unworthiness just when you’re at your lowest ebb, this does.”

If you’re looking for an appropriate card to send then I suggest our ‘Stay Connected pack’, ‘Good Friends are Like Stars’ or ‘Under the Weather’ or any of our floral ones, all our cards are blank inside so you don’t need to worry about an inappropriate message.