By Clive Sykes, Founder, Catch The Breeze Retreats
According to Mind UK, mental health problems at work are common with at least one in six workers experiencing common mental health problems, including anxiety and depression.
The charity encourages people to spend time in green space and adding nature into everyday life as it can benefit both mental and physical wellbeing. For example, exercising outdoors or being around animals can have lots of positive effects including improved mood, reducing feelings of stress or anger, improve self-esteem and confidence and help you be more active.
Improve your mental health with a self-catering escape
The beauty of a self-catering escape in the UK is the change of scenery and the little encouragement to explore new places. From countryside walks, to fresh sea air, every little recharge goes a long way to improving people’s outlooks and experiences, thus making the working days much more effective.
The fishing village famous for its kippers
Craster is a beautiful seaside village home to several self-catering properties. With its very own harbour, quaint art gallery, café, and traditional kipper house and friendly local pub, Craster is the perfect place to forget about any worries and take in the mesmerising sight of where the sun gracefully meets the sea. There is a reason why people are always drawn to the sea; the sounds of the ocean provides a calming lullaby that gently carries people away to a complete state of relaxation. Even from the comfort of one of the Craster properties, the sound of the murmuring hypnotic waves ebbing the shore can be heard. Holidaying by the sea is truly a harmony to the ears.
Why not discover the other magnificent sights Northumberland has for you to see with Visit Northumberland’s guide to the most scenic spots around.
Yorkshire countryside with a modern twist
Yorkshire is a sprawling landscape, and although Oughtershaw is a traditional Yorkshire Dales village to take time exploring, for the more adventurous it’s worth visiting the tranquil, misty mountains. And there is no better view of the rolling hills and vast valleys than the Yorkshire Three Peaks mountain range.
The Yorkshire Three Peaks is an ample endeavour for any hiker. The entire 24 mile route can be completed in a respectable 12 hours, which is quite the feet, but once the glorious summit has been reached, peacefully observe the hundreds of miles of sublime landscape, it truly is worth the breathlessness.
Following the adventures of the day, there is no better feeling than relaxing in an indoor, heated swimming pool and accompanying sauna. Oughtershaw Hall ticks those boxes, and sleeping up to 16 guests, it can be the perfect place to stay as groups of friends or enjoyed as family reunions.
The grass is always greener in Wales
In the depths of the Welsh countryside, Llanelltyd is home to the sounds of nature, far away from the bustling and chaotic sounds of the city and motorways. The nature and wildlife in this part of the world is truly one to behold; it is diverse, mesmerising, and harks back to a time of child-like wonder.
As steps are made out into the wilderness that surrounds the Tan Llan & Coach House, ears will be greeted with the piercing stillness until the sounds of the breeze are heard as a peregrine falcon flies overhead looking for its next meal. Leaves and twigs satisfyingly snap and crunch beneath the feet, and Wales’ wild deer can often be heard nearby. Not too far from Llanelltyd, the Michelin star restaurant Ynyshir provides guests with tastes guests will never forget. It is truly an immersive culinary voyage. Expect to be greeted with a smoky fire and atmospheric music to set the tone for the dining experience.
The food is one of a kind with the menu being a complete surprise until arrival at the venue – with the build-up leaving tastebuds in a frenzy.
With hectic work schedules, and limited time to focus on oneself, perhaps now is the time to book a self-catering escape to a coastal village or a countryside haven and recharge those ever-dwindling batteries.
The Catch The Breeze Retreats collection comprises the following:
Craster Reach in Craster, 3 bedroom property sleeps 6 (3 nights from £728)
Middlerigg in Craster, 3 bedroom property sleeps 6 (3 nights from £825)
Rock Lobster in Craster, 4 bedroom property sleeps 8 (3 nights from £889)
Harbourway in Craster, 4 bedroom property sleeps 8 (3 nights from £874) reopening in April 2023 after renovations
Drfitwood in Craster, 2 bedroom property sleeps 4 (3 nights from £600) reopening in July 2023 after renovations
Tan Llan & The Coach House in Dolgellau, 8 bedroom property sleeps 16 (3 nights from £1,954)
Oughtershaw Hall in Oughtershaw, 8 bedroom property sleeps 16 (3 nights from £3,045)
