Nearly half of UK adults (42%) struggle to find calm in their daily lives, according to new research from Kalms Herbal Remedies. The survey of over 2,000 participants highlights the increasing pressures on mental health, with 79% reporting experiences of anxiety in the past year. To address this, Kalms has launched the Moments of Kalmfulness Virtual Gallery, an online collection of calming photographs designed to promote mindfulness and well-being.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with mental health experts and renowned photographers, offers an accessible platform for relaxation. Featuring serene landscapes and tranquil natural scenes from the UK and Ireland, the gallery encourages viewers to take a few minutes to experience a sense of peace. Kalms’ research suggests that 52% of people feel calmer after looking at peaceful imagery, with studies indicating that just five minutes of viewing nature photos can positively impact the brain.
Notable contributors to the gallery include wildlife photographer and filmmaker Hannah Stitfall, mental health therapist and former soldier Paul Williams, and visually impaired photographer Ian Treherne. Each artist brings a unique perspective, highlighting the beauty in everyday moments and promoting the concept of “kalmfulness” – a state of calm and peace.
Deidre Bowen, Director of National Programmes at Mental Health UK, praised the initiative, calling it a timely response to the nation’s mental health challenges. “We are in the midst of a mental health crisis,” Bowen said. “This exhibition offers moments of kalmfulness wherever people are and sparks vital conversations around mental well-being.”
The gallery also serves as a reminder to prioritise calm moments in daily routines. Psychologist Dr Charlotte Armitage offers practical tips for finding tranquillity, such as engaging in activities like gardening, reading, or walking. She encourages people to capture these moments, whether through photographs or journaling, to create lasting memories that can be revisited. For those seeking additional support, Dr Armitage suggests considering natural supplements like valerian root and lavender oil to encourage relaxation.
Kalms Herbal Remedies hopes the gallery will inspire more people to pause and reflect on their mental health. With financial worries affecting two in five adults daily, initiatives like this aim to provide a much-needed sense of calm in turbulent times. To visit the evolving exhibition and upload your own image, please go to www.kalmfulness.com
