Mental Health Awareness Week

Against the backdrop of coronavirus there has never been a more important time to take care of our mental health. The 18th to 24th May was Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme was ‘kindness’, encouraging you to be kind to yourself and those around you. With that in mind we created a programme of events focused on boosting endorphins and promoting calm, hosted by partners we love. As mental health is a far reaching problem, a crisis as far reaching as the pandemic itself, we wanted these classes and workshops to benefit and support many. For this week only, our events were open to everyone, not just LABS members. Tuesday 19th May: Lunchtime Yoga An invigorating yoga class with LABS teacher Immy. Allowing participants to stretch tired muscles and leave feeling revitalised for the rest of the day. Tuesday 19th May: Sleep Well Workshop Affinity Space and sleep expert Dr Lindsay Browning discussed how to improve your sleep. The interactive session offered practical tips to aid sleep and reduce night time anxiety, as well as advice on how to deal with sleep deprivation. Wednesday 20th May: 80s Aerobics hosted by FRAME Set to classic 80s tunes, participants brought their best moves and channelled their inner Jane Fonda, with lycra and leg warmers welcomed. This class was equipment free and guaranteed to put a smile on everyones face. Thursday 21st May: Lunchtime pilates Encouraging people to take a break to tretch and tone with a lunchtime pilates session, hosted by LABS teacher Becky. Thursday 21st May: Managing Change Workshop Hosted by Affinity Space and management coach, author and speaker David Cotton this session explored why change is necessary, how to adapt to new circumstances and how to deal with the current social and economic climate. Friday 22nd May: Lunchtime HIIT An opportunity for people to finish their week of on a high with a lively HIIT class, hosted by personal trainer Lily Gredley.