Dublin women have praised a self-care class for helping them through tough times during the pandemic.
The National Collective of Community Based Women’s Networks in Tallaght is hosting a six week physical well-being programme that will give women a taste of yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, Pilates and chair yoga in Brookfield Youth and Community Centre.
This programme is supported by South Dublin County Sports Partnership and will take place every Monday this month from 9:30am to 11:00am and it will encourage women to relax, slow their breath and focus on the present.
It also helps women understand the working of their inner selves through mindfulness, sleep, influence of culture, resistance to change, social connections and learning styles.
NCCWN Communication Officer, Jekaterina Saveljeva said: “The world has been through a hard time these past two years, and mental and physical health has taken a toll, as our survey results show.
“Society relies on women for their own personal well-being - children, family and friends, communities, colleagues. We are the essential workers of society, so it is critical that we have access to services and practises that help us take care of ourselves.
“Today, we are still dealing with inequality, poverty, racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination. To not lose ourselves, to not lose hope and the will to keep going we need to find time, take time out for ourselves.
“It teaches us that our self-worth should be connected to our productivity, which should be at a maximum at all times. People work in the evenings, on weekends and holidays and often feel guilty if they don’t.
“Much of this type of thinking and behaviour is connected to creation of new products and private wealth building, and taking time to look after ourselves is a way to challenge this new exploitative culture.”
Participant, Joanna Butler said: “At times I find it hard to articulate just how much importance we should put into prioritising our own self-care. To take care of ourselves, be kind to ourselves, figure out our needs.
“Women as a collective tend to hold way too much guilt around putting themselves first, forgetting that in order for us to be able to fully meet the needs and responsibilities of the people we love in our lives, we need to be pouring from a full cup or kettle!
“One of the most important things for me in my own self-care routine is remembering to keep my connections strong. I find at times when I'm struggling most with my own mental health and wellbeing that I have a habit of shutting off and don't rely enough on the people and community around me.
“When I am struggling to find my own self-worth they give me the space and opportunity for me to remember - we are all truly in this together and great things can come when women build each other up and commit to supporting each other.
“The women behind the scenes in the local Tallaght Network are some of the most empathetic, understanding, and dedicated women too.
“All the ladies at the NCCWN - Women Together Tallaght Network - WTTN are so nice. They have helped me overcome my fears and my anxiety. I owe these ladies much more than words can say.”
If you want to try self-care at home, the WWTN recommend taking a walk, while also focusing on the breath, to clear the head and slow down stressful thoughts.
They say finding time for activities that make you happy, whether it’s a bath or a movie or a connection with your community, will help balance out negative experiences and speaking with someone can be one of the best ways of dealing with stress.
Other simple steps to protect and improve your mental health:
Limit your media intake
Reach out to someone you trust
Eat and sleep well
Avoid excess alcohol and tobacco
Seek professional help
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