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21 April 2021
CMHA Niagara Celebrates Mental Health Week with Free Virtual Classes
(April 22, 2021) –
The toll that the Covid-19 pandemic has taken on our emotional and mental wellbeing has been extraordinary. In an effort to brighten the outlook, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Niagara is excited to present a lineup of free virtual classrooms to refresh, rejuvenate, and recharge the mental health of our community!
In celebration of Mental Health Week, a CMHA National initiative bringing Canadian communities, schools, workplaces, and legislatures together to promote mental wellness and reduce the stigma about mental illness, CMHA Niagara branch is offering free interactive activities to promote good mental health and wellbeing, from Monday, May 3 through Friday, May 7, 2021.
“At the best of times, trying to find balance in our lives can be challenging,” said Tara McKendrick, CMHA Niagara Executive Director. “The additional impacts of Covid-19 make it even more daunting. We are thrilled to partner with local business professionals to present a virtual schedule of events that may alleviate some of that pressure and provide tools, resources and support to our community.”
The concept of the 2021 Mental Health Week campaign is quite simple. It’s about understanding our emotions and to #GetReal about how we feel. Rather than giving pat answers like “I’m fine”, when asked how we are doing, put your feelings into real words. A mentally healthy life includes the full range of human emotions, even the uncomfortable ones like sadness, fear and anger. Recognizing, labeling and accepting our feelings are all part of protecting and promoting good mental health for everyone. So this year we are asked to:
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS- (printable flyer) Mental Health Week 2021_finalschedule
Everyone is invited to participate in any or all of the scheduled event by pre-registering for classes of their choice using registration links below:
Monday, May 3 from 3 pm – 4 pm
OFFICE YOGA with Julie (Jaya) Boyse:
Whether working from home or office this safe and easy class allows time to refresh your body and maintain your well-being. Participants will enjoy a 30-minute chair yoga class that includes movement, breathing and relaxation and then 30 minutes to learn tools and techniques to do while at your desk, along with best practices for concentration and questions.
Tuesday, May 4 from 7 pm – 8 pm
EATING TO OPTIMIZE BRAIN HEALTH, GUT HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH with Liz Pearson:
This insightful, science-based, and very timely presentation is about optimizing mental health, and significantly reducing the risk of depression and anxiety, with food. You will learn how the food we eat impacts our moods and emotions and affects brain and gut health; which nutrients are key for mental health and well-being; and how certain spices, different beverages, and ultra-processed foods affect our mental health and happiness.
Register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/eating-to-optimize-brain-gut-mental-health-tickets-148370292539
Wednesday, May 5 from 1 pm – 2 pm
COPING WITH UNEMPLOYMENT with CMHA Niagara realwork Employment Support Worker
Coping with job loss and unemployment can be hard on our wellbeing—and maintaining a positive outlook for the future is vital to our mental health. This informative session will focus on the impacts of unemployment – especially during Covid-19 –and how to manage the stress using self-care tips, tools, and strategies on how to cope, along with support resources in Niagara.
Register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/coping-with-job-loss-unemployment-tickets-148620922179
Thursday, May 6 from Noon – 1 pm
DISCOVER PEACE STRESS RELIEF with Tami Dickson:
Reducing stress and anxiety by finding time to be calm, discover peace, honours your mind and body and can help to lead happier and healthier lives. Even those with the busiest schedules can learn tangible every day tips to find mindfulness, presence, and peace in any space. Learn how to find your inner peace and benefit from the access to this wonderful resource at any time! Register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/discover-peace-stress-relief-tickets-150595050851
Friday, May 7 from 2 pm – 3 pm
GIFTS FROM THE EARTH with Carolina Lipinski
Nature has supplied us with many natural alternatives to use for well-being of the mind, body and spirit. Enjoy a show & tell of the benefits of crystals and minerals, as well as setting positive intentions to accompany them. Other beneficial alternatives such as Aromatherapy, Breath work and Color for relaxation will be offered.
Register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/gifts-from-the-earth-tickets-150604334619
About our Virtual Classroom Partners:
ABOUT JULIE (JAYA) BOYSE:
Trained in Classical Hatha Yoga, a tradition originating in India, Julie teaches classes to help inspire true life balance as a yoga teacher and meditation teacher. Her classes combine mindful movements, breathing, concentration, relaxation and meditation to allow body and mind to connect and work together. Learn more at www.journey2balance.com or call 905-321-4458.
ABOUT LIZ PEARSON:
A registered dietitian and author of four books, including two award-winning, national bestsellers, Liz regularly speaks to health professionals, corporations, associations, educators, and students across North America. Liz has been researching, speaking, and writing about nutrition for over 25 years. She was the nutrition columnist for Chatelaine magazine for many years and appears regularly on radio and television, including CBC News, Breakfast Television, and 680 News. For information visit: http://www.lizpearson.com
This CMHA Niagara program assists individuals who are experiencing mental health concerns and other disabilities as barriers to employment, find and maintain meaningful jobs. Promoting employment, education, or volunteer opportunities to help individuals live independent and integrated lives, trained mental health professionals provide a person-centred approach to assist with career decision making, skills enhancement, job search skills and job maintenance or provide connections to community partners. For more information visit: https://niagara.cmha.ca/programs-services/mental-health-support/
ABOUT TAMI DICKSON:
Through an early calling to help others live a calmer, balanced, and peaceful life, Tami is a certified meditation instructor and workshop facilitator teaching a variety of classes, inspirational workshops, and private sessions. She is formally trained in meditation with the Willpower Institute and is a teacher of the Meditation Instructor’s Course. She also holds certificates in Accelerated Healing, Reiki, Advanced Holistic Wellness and Spiritual Psychology. For more information call 905-871-4313 or visit https://www.facebook.com/The-Calm-Zone-429913574021931/
ABOUT CAROLINA LIPINSKI:
Spiritual Facilitator, Wellness Coach, entrepreneur, and established reader of Tarot Cards, tea leaves, rune stones, crystals and other forms of divination, Carolina has honed her intuitive abilities and spiritual awareness from a young age. She is certified in healing techniques including Masters in Shamballa Multi-Dimensional Energy Healing, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, and Aroma Therapy. For more information visit: http://havenglobal.ca/