RESEARCH shows connecting is one of the simple things you can do as part of your daily life to protect your mental health the Ennis Mental Health Association have highlighted ahead of Mental Health Week.
With this in mind the local association are hosting a Connect Café in Ennis this Monday at 10.30am in glór, as well as encouraging people to host their own cafe, among many other free events organised to mark Mental Health Week running from October 10 to 15.
“The goal of Mental Health Ireland’s ‘Connect Café’ concept is to open conversations, strengthening the connection with ourselves, with others and with our communities. We encourage you to organise a Connect Café event in your own workplace, home, or community,” said a spokesperson for the local organisation.
“To help you to do this, you will find a free downloadable toolkit & additional resources at www.worldmentalhealthmonth-mhi.ie. Alternatively, we invite you to join Ennis Mental Health Association for conversation and connection in the light and airy Glór Café in the heart of Ennis for our own ‘Connect Café’.”
Also on Monday there will be a Mindfulness Through Art Workshop with Tatjana Simakova, psychotherapist/ counsellor at the Junction, Cloughleigh Road at 7pm.
“You will walk away with knowledge and skills on how to manage negative thoughts and rumination in your head; a better understanding of your subconscious mind; an awakening creativity and understanding of how to use it for self-reflection; knowledge & skills on how to manage stress in your life; and a guide to practical contentment & positive habits.
“Anyone can participate in this workshop – no artistic skills are required. All the materials are provided during this workshop in addition to tonnes of positive experiential learning.”
Booking for this event is required by calling or texting 085 252 4608 or email ennismha@mentalhealthireland.ie
The week’s events will continue on Wednesday, October 12 with Sharon Murphy’s Mindful Gentle Chair Yoga.
“Yoga has many widely known benefits, including improved strength, flexibility, posture and balance. Sadly, some individuals may feel that these benefits are out of reach for them, particularly the elderly, disabled, or those with injuries.
“Using a chair for support however, the benefits of yoga instantly become accessible to everyone. But Yoga is not only about strengthening and stretching your body. It’s also about working on the internal functioning of the body.
“Physical activity releases endorphins, which have been shown to improve mood and lower stress hormones such as cortisol, bringing us to our natural state, & helping to quieten the anxious mind.
“By reducing stress and anxiety, while also cultivating the meditative state that often accompanies the practice, yoga can have a significant role in your mental and spiritual well-being.”
This event will be held at The Banner Suite, Old Ground Hotel at 10.30am. To book a place call or text 085 252 4608 or email ennismha@mentalhealthireland.ie
Via Zoom on Wednesday there will be a workshop exploring Five Ways to Wellbeing with Claire Flynn, Mental Health Ireland.The Five Ways to Wellbeing are simple actions to practice each day to maintain or improve our mental health and wellbeing.
Claire is the Mental Health Ireland Development Officer for CHO 3 (Limerick, Clare & North Tipperary). The workshop will begin at 6pm and to book your place for this online workshop go to www.worldmentalhealthmonth-mhi.ie/get-involved/5-ways-to-wellbeing-training
Singing for Wellness with Maria Wood will be held in the Old Ground Hotel on Thursday, October 13 at 10.30am. This will showcase the mental health benefits of community singing in the company with simple songs aimed at bringing you to a place of peace, connection and joy. Some will be in harmony; some will be in unison. This is suitable for beginner and experienced singers.
To book a place call or text 085 252 4608 or email ennismha@mentalhealthireland.ie
The week’s events will conclude on Friday with a Walk for Wellbeing at John O’Sullivan Park, Lee’s Road Woodland Walking Trails with Clare Sports Partnership at 11am.
Clare Sports Partnership will lead a walk with a mental health and wellbeing focus. This will be a slow-paced, relaxing walk of 3 to 4 km and will take a maximum of one hour.
Just an average fitness level is required. No booking is required with participants meeting at 11am at the playground at John O’Sullivan Park, Lee’s Road.