ABS Mental Health Awareness Week mini-series
Architects Benevolent Society (ABS) in collaboration with Bright and Well Yoga will be delivering a three-part mini-series of 30 minute digital wellbeing sessions for the architectural community.
These sessions will include an informative wellness talk, yoga and meditation and take place during Mental Health Awareness Week (10 - 16 May) as a free resource for students and professionals in the architectural technology, architecture and landscape architecture professions.
Each session, under the collective title of Draw a Breath, has been specifically crafted to help with key issues such as stress and burnout which are often reported within the architectural community and will focus on how nature, this year's Mental Health Awareness Week's theme, can be useful when looking to cultivate a great sense of wellbeing, and improve physical and mental health.
More information is available at absnet.org.uk/event/drawabreath/
Katie Vivian, Operations Manager says: "ABS is constantly striving to support our community in as many ways as we can. We partner with Anxiety UK which means we can provide a range of mental health support to those in need, but this mini-series will offer accessible wellbeing information to all, including those who might not usually seek out mental health support through charities. We hope each session will offer people practical ways to reduce feeling overwhelmed, stressed and prevent burnout. Prolonged periods of stress can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety or depression."
The sessions will also provide an opportunity to meet fellow professionals to discuss any key issues arising in more depth. As each webinar is just 30 minutes long, ABS hopes that they will provide an enlightening and positive experience which can be taken as a break over lunch or during busy days.
Draw a Breath
Wellness, Monday 10 May at 12:00
This session will give a holistic overview of wellness, explaining ways to identify areas of your life that may be out of balance, and practical tools to improve your sense of wellbeing. This session covers topics such as work/life balance, boundaries, perfectionism, and burnout, and ideas for how to deal with these common challenges. There will be an interactive element where you will have the opportunity to share your experiences and challenges around wellbeing in small breakout groups.
Yoga, Wednesday 12 May at 12:00
This gentle yoga flow can be enjoyed at your desk and so is the perfect way to reset during the working day. There will be a focus on grounding and connecting with your breath as a way to reduce stress and anxiety, and increase focus. Postures will be focused on alleviating neck, shoulder and wrist tension, and increasing energy levels so that you feel refreshed and ready for the rest of your day. No specialist equipment necessary. Just have a steady chair available.
Meditation, Friday 14 May at 12:00
This session will discuss how to create a meditation practice and how this can benefit your mental and physical health. The session will give the opportunity to practice a walking meditation, and a seated meditation. These practices are designed to be enjoyed either at your desk or outside in nature. No specialist equipment necessary. Just have a steady chair available.