Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 11–17 May

Your mind matters. And so does how you care for it.

This week — and every week — we're talking about the small, everyday things that help us slow down, breathe a little deeper, and come back to ourselves.

— 01 — From awareness to action

This year, Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 11–17 May, and the theme set by the Mental Health Foundation is Action — a gentle nudge to move beyond awareness and towards actually doing something, however small, to support our mental health. For ourselves, and for the people around us.

Life is busy. And most of us, at some point, find ourselves running on empty without really noticing until we're already tired. One in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year — and while talking about it matters, so does taking small, consistent steps to look after ourselves. They don't need to be dramatic. They just need to be real.

Rest isn't something you have to earn. And taking care of yourself isn't a luxury — it's just a kindness you can choose to show yourself, a little more often.

— 02 — Why scent can be such a grounding tool

Of all our senses, smell has a uniquely direct connection to the limbic system — the part of the brain involved in emotion, memory, and stress. It's one of the reasons certain scents can feel so instantly calming or clarifying. Lavender, eucalyptus, bergamot, frankincense — these have been used for centuries in traditional wellness practices, and there's a growing body of research exploring how aromatherapy may support relaxation and emotional wellbeing.

It's not a replacement for professional support, but as part of a broader self-care routine, intentional use of scent can be a simple, accessible action — a small thing you can do, today, to feel a little more like yourself.

— 03 — Small actions, real difference

You don't need to overhaul your life to start taking better care of your mental health. Research consistently points to the same thing: small, repeated actions tend to matter more than occasional big ones. Here are three to try this week — and beyond:

Wind-down ritual
About thirty minutes before bed, dim the lights and massage in a body oil or run yourself a bath. Let the warmth and the scent become a gentle signal to your body that the day is done.

Midday reset
Step away from your screen. Roll a pulse point oil onto your wrists or temples and take three slow, deliberate breaths. Even two minutes can shift the feel of your afternoon.

Morning intention
Before your phone, before the news — choose a scent that feels energising and set one small intention for the day. It's a simple way to start on your own terms.

These aren't fixes. They're foundations — small acts of care that, done regularly, help build the kind of resilience that makes harder days a little easier to navigate.

NATURALLY BALMY - OUR AROMATHERAPY RANGE Six blends. One for every version of how you feel.

Our Aromatherapy Range was built around exactly these kinds of moments. Each of our six essential oil blends has a specific intention behind it — because how you feel at 7am is rarely how you feel at 10pm, and looking after yourself shouldn't have to be complicated.

Muscle Relax - for the body that's been working hard
Invigorate - for when you need a gentle lift
Deep Relax - for restorative, genuine rest
Meditate - for stillness and quiet
De-Stress - for when everything feels like a lot
Focus - for when your mind needs to settle

Each blend is available in four formats so you can build a routine that actually fits your life:

• Massage Oils - to ease tension from tired muscles
• Epsom & Dead Sea Bath Salts - for a grounding, full-body reset
• Dispersible Bath Oil - for a nourishing, relaxing soak
• Pulse Point Oils - for on-the-go moments of calm

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we hope you find your moment of stillness — and take one small action towards feeling better. Not just this week, but every week.

Explore the full Naturally Balmy Aromatherapy Range by clicking here.

If you're struggling with your mental health, you don't have to manage it alone. You can contact the Samaritans any time, free, on 116 123, or visit samaritans.org. Mind offers information and support at mind.org.uk, or call their infoline on 0300 123 3393. The Mental Health Foundation has also produced free resources for individuals and workplaces at mentalhealth.org.uk. If you're in crisis, please contact your GP or call 999.