Category: News

A Tradition of Health, Wellbeing and Connection

Since 2017, Love Your Heart has been a cornerstone event at St. Andrew’s Community Centre, using the theme of Valentine’s Day to encourage people to prioritize their health and wellbeing. The event fosters a sense of community by bringing people together in a welcoming environment, promoting self-care, and making healthy lifestyle choices accessible to all.

Each year, Love Your Heart serves as one of the first major events in our social calendar, setting the tone for the year ahead. It provides a meaningful and uplifting experience, particularly for those who may find Valentine’s Day isolating.

A Holistic Approach to Wellbeing

The event offers a variety of activities designed to promote physical and mental health, including:

• Holistic Therapies: Attendees can enjoy complementary treatments such as Indian Head Massage, Reiki, Reflexology, Back Massage, and Acupuncture.
• Health Information Stands: Experts provide insights on cardiovascular health, gut health, smoking cessation, alcohol awareness, and blood pressure management.
• Practical Demonstrations: Hands-on sessions include healthy juicing demonstrations and CPR training using a defibrillator.
• Social Connection: Nail painting and a cozy café setting encourage companionship and relaxation.

With over 80 attendees in previous years, the event has consistently received positive feedback, with highlights shared on our respective social media platforms.

Love Your Heart 2025

This year’s Love Your Heart event took place on Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 10 am to 2 pm at St. Andrew’s Community Centre. While attendance was slightly lower than in previous years (with 63 participants), probably due to another event taking place at Richmond Barracks on the same day that may have impacted turnout, the event remained a resounding success.

Despite this, the atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and deeply engaging. Attendees enjoyed at least two therapy sessions each, ranging from hand and chair massages to facials and Reiki. Free nail painting was also available, adding to the relaxing experience.

The Irish Heart Foundation engaged with over 22 attendees for thorough health consultations.

Additionally, the sound bath experience was well-received, and it would benefit from a dedicated room in future events to enhance the immersive experience.

A New Initiative Sponsored By Smart D8: Men’s Mental Health Workshop

This year, Smart D8 partnered with St. Andrew’s Community Centre once again and, recognizing the importance of engaging more men in the event, this year we introduced a Men’s Mental Health Workshop, facilitated by Irish singer-songwriter Luke Clerkin.

Luke delivered an inspiring and heartfelt talk, sharing his personal journey through mental health challenges with honesty and vulnerability. He introduced practical tools such as creativity, mindfulness, and self-compassion to support emotional wellbeing.

Workshop Highlights

• Personal Journey: Luke’s candid discussion of his own experiences and how he overcame challenges.
• Gratitude & Self-Worth: Participants reflected on positive moments and words of kindness they had received.
• Emotional Awareness & Mindfulness: The importance of allowing emotions, guided mindfulness exercises, and recommended mental health apps.
• Taking Action & Growth: Understanding personal control, building community connections, and setting achievable goals.
• Closing & Reflection: Participants created personal mantras and identified key takeaways from the session.
• Resources & Support: A QR code linking to mental health services was provided.

Feedback & Impact

Eight men attended the workshop, which, while below full capacity, was a meaningful step toward greater male engagement. One attendee also kindly shared his reflections with us:

“Although I hadn’t attended a similar session/talk I was hugely impressed by the session presented by Luke. In a very personable and comfortable manner, Luke with humility and honesty shared his life story, including addiction issues, and held the attention of the room for the full session. As a participant, I was impressed by the request and encouragement of Luke to map our emotions and history to mirror feelings that he had informed us of from his life story and experience. The overriding message from the session was that the importance of vocalising or sharing feelings on personal mental health were hugely important things to express. The session conducted included some personal and moving songs that Luke had composed. These songs by Luke were written as a coping mechanism to express his moods through music and song and were warmly received. Luke informed us that for him these creative forces saved him in darker times and had strengthened his self-esteem when he encountered mental health issues during difficult periods of his upbringing in adolescence and early adult life. At the end of the session, I detected a warmth of feeling in the room where Men had partaken in something quite powerful with freedom and honesty. Several of the men who I hadn’t previously met freely spoke about the positive power of being able to chat and talk so freely at this session. A great experience I would consider for all participants and a very worthwhile project.”

The positive response underscores the importance of initiatives like this, and we are committed to expanding our outreach to encourage even more men to participate in future health and wellbeing events in the Dublin 8 community.

Looking Ahead

As we look back on another meaningful year, we remain dedicated to supporting Love Your Heart, an annual event that brings our community together to focus on self-care and holistic wellbeing. We look forward to expanding this initiative and continuing to promote health—mind, body, and heart—for all.

Health & Happiness Week 

Smart D8 recently partnered with St. Patrick’s Cathedral Grammar School to support their Health & Happiness Week, held at the end of January. This new collaboration aimed to promote students’ wellbeing through two interactive workshops, led by our skilled Smart D8 Tutors.

Mental Health First Aid Workshop

DATE: Monday, January 27th

TIME: 11:15 am

FACILITATOR: Christina Kenny, Smart D8 Tutor

TARGET AUDIENCE: 21 students, aged 15-17

OVERVIEW: the workshop provided students with an understanding of mental health, its challenges, and how to approach conversations about it. The session mixed informative presentations with group activities to help students learn:

• The key signs of mental health struggles
• How to start conversations with someone who may be struggling
• Essential skills for providing mental health support
• Available resources and how to take care of your mental wellbeing

The workshop fostered great group interaction, where students collaborated on activities and shared insights. Videos that were shown also sparked important discussions. Key resources shared with students included:

1. YouTube  video: Brene Brown on Empathy vs Sympathy
2. YouTube video: Calm – This is not a drill
3. Samaritans: call 116 123 for local support information
4. Jigsaw / Spunout: youth-focused services, including a helpful text line
5. Turn2Me.ie: provides online counseling services and tools

Write Your Own Manifesto Workshop

DATE: Wednesday, January 31st

TIME: 11:15 am

FACILITATOR: Aoife Concannon, Smart D8 Tutor

TARGET AUDIENCE: 20 students, aged 13-14

OVERVIEW: the workshop encouraged students to explore their personal values and goals through the creation of a personal manifesto. Using vibrant post-it notes, students designed colorful Manifesto posters, helping them reflect on what truly matters to them. The students responded positively, engaging deeply with the content and exercises. The session included:

• Inspirational examples and thought-provoking phrases
• An opportunity for students to design their own Manifestos
• A lively discussion where students shared their thoughts

Some students were so motivated that they asked to display their Manifestos in their Homeroom, which we took as a sign of success. The informal feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many students eager to share their Manifesto ideas with the class.

Impactful and Inspiring Sessions

Both workshops were an inspiring and rewarding experience for both students and facilitators. It was wonderful to see the students actively participating, engaging in meaningful conversations, and leaving with valuable insights into their mental wellbeing and personal goals. We look forward to further collaborations that promote health, happiness, and positive change in the Dublin 8 community!

Continuing the Momentum of Community Wellbeing

Following the success of the Smart D8 community initiatives in 2024, we are committed to expanding our efforts by actively collaborating with various stakeholders and community organizations. Our goal is to deliver impactful health and wellbeing initiatives that foster long-term positive change.

A Week Dedicated to Health & Wellbeing

In January 2025, Smart D8 once again partnered with Inchicore College of Further Education (ICFE) to celebrate Health & Wellbeing Week 2025. The initiative, held from January 13th to January 17th, featured a diverse schedule of student-led activities designed to empower participants and encourage ownership of their health and wellbeing.

Engaging Activities Throughout the Week

• Monday, 13th: the week kicked off with an inspiring play, “The 3.30 at Cheltenham”, written, performed, and produced by ICFE Theatre graduates. The performance was followed by an engaging Q&A panel discussion.
• Tuesday, January 14th: a “Health, Fitness & Mobility Assessment” followed by an “Active Ageing Strength & Mobility” workshop were led by Personal Trainer Level 6 students for local community groups. The event was organized in collaboration with South Dublin Sports Development Officer Catherine Flood, ICFE Sports Coordinator Rachel Donlon, and Health Promotion Teacher Andrea McQuillan. Additionally, a talk on “Self-Care Tools for Care Workers” was delivered by Community & Social Care students.
• Wednesday, January 15th: the day featured a Creative Writing Wellness Workshop led by ICFE CW graduate Niamh Brunell, followed by a lively Music Bingo session organized by Business & HR Level 6 students.
• Thursday, January 16th: Psychology Level 6 students hosted a Connect Café and Wellness Spa, followed by a Health Check delivered by Sports Science students. The day concluded with a talk on “The Psychology of Addiction” presented by Psychology Level 6 students.
• Friday, January 17th: the week concluded with a one-hour workshop on “The Feral Kitchen,” facilitated by Green Goes Wild, offering insights into sustainable and mindful eating.

Smart D8 Panel’s Workshops

As part of this collaboration, Smart D8 facilitated three workshops led by our Smart D8 Tutors.

1. Balancing Your Emotions and Nervous System

DATE: January 14th

FACILITATOR: Evan Dwan, Smart D8 Tutor

OVERVIEW: this workshop introduced participants to practical skills for managing mental health, incorporating somatic-based exercises and emotion-focused techniques. Participants explored the Polyvagal Theory as a model for understanding the nervous system, engaging in grounding, tracking, resourcing, orienting, breathwork, and gesturing exercises.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Grounding and tracking exercises promoted states of calm and relaxation;
• Future iterations could encourage peer-led guidance in these exercises;
• Emphasizing relationships, music, art, and nature as everyday regulatory resources proved beneficial.

2. The 4 Pillars of Health

DATE: January 16th

FACILITATOR: Margaret O’Brien, Smart D8 Tutor

OVERVIEW: this workshop educated students on the “4 Pillars of Health”—nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management—within a relaxed “wellness café” setting.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Engaging format with adaptable content suitable for diverse age groups;
• Visual aids reinforced key messages, making information more actionable;
• Icebreaker activities and interactive methods, such as games, successfully encouraged open dialogue about mental health and fostered a comfortable discussion space.

3. Sound Bath Session

DATE: January 17th

FACILITATOR: Simone Meschnig, Smart D8 Tutor

OVERVIEW: the session introduced participants to the concept of sound baths, creating a deeply relaxing experience through the use of various instruments. A light-hearted introduction helped ease participants, many of whom were unfamiliar with the practice.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Participants were guided through the experience with clear expectations;
• The environment was warm and inviting, contributing to the overall relaxation;
• A short humming practice at the end encouraged attendees to use sound as a tool for self-regulation in moments of stress or anxiety.

A Meaningful Impact

These initiatives engaged approximately 70 people (both students and teachers), fostering a greater awareness of personal wellbeing and mental health. Health & Wellbeing Week 2025 at ICFE showcased the power of student-led initiatives and expert collaborations, leaving participants with practical tools to support their ongoing health and wellness journey.

By continuously refining these programs based on participant feedback, Smart D8 remains committed to enhancing community health and wellbeing through impactful, accessible and inclusive initiatives.

Program Recap

On November 13th and 27th, and December 4th, 11th and 18th, 2024, Aurora Procopio facilitated a 5-week Mindfulness and Meditation Program for the Guinness Enterprise Centre Community.

This enriching program was designed to foster emotional and mental wellbeing, equipping participants with powerful tools and techniques to navigate life’s challenges more mindfully.

This Program was part of the Health & Wellbeing Initiatives delivered by The Smart D8 Panel for the Guinness Enterprise Centre Community.

Workshop Highlights

Exploring Mindfulness

Participants delved into the essence of mindfulness—intentionally focusing on the present moment with openness and acceptance. Through practices like mindful eating, movement, and breathing exercises, attendees discovered how often the “autopilot” mode can lead to stress, tension, and anxiety.

Each week, the program explored meaningful themes such as self-compassion, kindness, and acceptance. These sessions offered participants a chance to pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves in a supportive environment. To enhance the experience, the tutor also shared recordings of each day’s guided exercises, allowing attendees to continue their mindfulness practices between sessions.

Sharing and Reflection

A key aspect of the program was the emphasis on group discussions and reflections. Toward the end of each session, participants gathered to share insights, discuss challenges, and explore how to weave mindfulness into their daily routines.

These exchanges fostered a sense of community and deeper understanding of the techniques introduced. Attendees were encouraged to bring a notebook to jot down personal reflections and were invited to wear comfortable clothing to fully engage in gentle movement exercises.

The group’s feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing how much they appreciated the practical and interactive structure of the program.

Workshop Goals

The Mindfulness and Meditation Program aimed to:

• Introduce participants to mindfulness practices such as mindful eating, mindful movement, and sitting meditation.
• Explore foundational themes of self-compassion, kindness, and acceptance.
• Equip participants with practical techniques to improve mental and emotional wellbeing.

By the end of the program, attendees gained not only a deeper understanding of mindfulness but also practical tools to incorporate these techniques into their everyday lives. Beginners and experienced practitioners alike found value in the sessions, making this program accessible to all.

To further enhance future workshops, plans include providing participants with handouts summarizing key themes and offering clear guidance on at-home mindfulness practices.

The program concluded with overwhelmingly positive feedback. Attendees not only enjoyed the sessions but also valued the time spent together, fostering a supportive and uplifting community atmosphere.

Stay Engaged, Stay Updated

Smart D8 is committed to supporting initiatives aimed at enriching the health and wellbeing of the Dublin 8 community.

If you would like our assistance in organizing and delivering a health and wellbeing event, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@smartd8.ie

To watch the video showcasing the best moments from the ‘Mindfulness and Meditation Program’ at GEC, please visit: https://vimeo.com/1038554040

If you would like to see the Smart D8 Panel Testimonials Video, please visit: https://vimeo.com/1041692078

If you would like to see the Overview Video highlighting the best moments from the health and wellbeing initiatives for the employees at The Digital Hub, National College of Art and Design and Guinness Enterprise Centre that took place between September and December 2024, please visit: https://vimeo.com/1041689812

Program Recap

On October 15th, 22nd, 29th, and November 5th and 12th, 2024, Aleksandra Pukowiec-Arnold, brought staff, pensioners, and students of the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) together for five uplifting and engaging choir sessions.

The sessions were designed to promote mental and physical wellbeing. Singing in a group has been shown to reduce stress, release endorphins, strengthen the immune system, and foster a sense of community. The program created a friendly, pressure-free environment where participants could explore their voices and enjoy the shared experience of choral music.

This Choral Program was part of the Health & Wellbeing Initiatives delivered by The Smart D8 Panel for the Staff at The National College of Art and Design.

Workshop Highlights

Interactive Warm-Ups

Each session began with lively warm-ups, including physical movements and facial exercises to loosen vocal cords and energize the group. These warm-ups often led to shared laughter, instantly elevating the participants’ moods and building a sense of camaraderie.

Choral Repertoire and Practice

Over the five sessions, attendees worked on three multi-voice arrangements:

• “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors
• “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman
• “White Christmas”

The repertoire struck a balance between being accessible and challenging, ensuring that participants of various skill levels could engage fully. As sessions progressed, participants became more confident and connected, with many leaving in visibly uplifted spirits.

Supportive Atmosphere

The choral sessions fostered a warm, inclusive environment. Participants grew increasingly comfortable, and the group dynamic strengthened, making each session more enjoyable. The collective sense of achievement and joy was palpable, with participants often leaving in lively groups, still buzzing from the shared experience.

Workshop Goals

The primary goal of the program was to enhance participants’ wellbeing through group singing. By offering a supportive space to connect, de-stress, and engage creatively, the sessions aimed to:

• Promote mental health through the proven benefits of singing.
• Foster a sense of community and connection among staff, pensioners, and students.
• Provide participants with a fun, pressure-free outlet for creative expression.

These goals were successfully achieved, with many participants expressing their enjoyment and appreciation for the sessions.

The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many left the sessions feeling happy and connected, expressing sadness when the program concluded. The sessions not only fostered individual wellbeing but also strengthened community bonds, with many participants eager for future opportunities to engage in similar initiatives.

To watch the video showcasing the best moments from the ‘Choral Program’ at NCAD, please visit this link: https://vimeo.com/1028771075.

Workshop Recap

On October 8th, 2024, Sinead Moloney, led a workshop focused on nurturing mental health in the workplace at The Learning Studio in The Digital Hub, Dublin 8. This workshop offered participants an opportunity to reflect on their work-life balance and introduced valuable self-care techniques to manage stress in the workplace.

This workshop was part of the Health and Wellbeing Initiatives delivered by The Smart D8 Panel for the Employees of Companies based in The Digital Hub (5/5).

Workshop Highlights

Grounding and Mindfulness Techniques

The workshop began with a grounding exercise where participants were guided through a series of mindfulness techniques. These included breathing exercises, body awareness, and tension-release exercises. Participants were prompted with questions like, “How is your body feeling today?” and “Where might you be carrying tension?” Square breathing and the 5-1 grounding technique were also introduced, both of which are easily done while seated at a desk.

Establishing a Group Contract

To create a respectful and open environment, attendees collaboratively agreed on a group contract. This contract emphasized confidentiality, a no-device policy during the workshop, and the importance of respecting each other’s opinions and differences.

Interactive Activities

1. ICEBREAKER- INTRODUCTIONS WITH A TWIST: as a fun icebreaker, participants took part in a game involving a ball. Whoever caught the ball had to describe their day, week, or month using just one word. This helped everyone feel more connected and comfortable with one another.
2. INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP ASSESSMENT: during a sociometry exercise, participants mapped their work locations within The Digital Hub, described their connections, and shared details about their commute. They also reflected on their daily self-care practices. Additionally, participants rated their busiest time of year on a scale of 1 to 10, providing insight into how stress fluctuates throughout the year.

Reflective Writing Exercises

In a quiet, introspective exercise, participants were asked to divide a piece of paper into four sections and respond to the following prompts:

• What work challenge causes me the most stress?
• How am I currently managing it?
• How could I reduce this stress or change my approach?
• How can I better care for myself during times of stress?

After completing this individual reflection, attendees paired up to discuss their insights and thoughts.

Pairs Sharing: Building Support Networks

In pairs, participants explored what they could let go of and what support systems they already have in place. They also identified what additional support they might need to successfully manage their work for the rest of the year, and discussed what they require from their colleagues to feel more supported.

Workshop Goals

Participants responded positively to the guided meditation, the warm-up exercises, and the reflective writing activities. The sharing in pairs helped foster deeper connections and provided an opportunity for participants to learn from each other.

The workshop concluded with a final reflection exercise, where participants considered what they would take away from the session, what they would leave behind, and what they had learned about themselves and others. The workshop ended with a grounding meditation, allowing participants to notice any changes in their body from the beginning of the session to the end.

As a thoughtful final touch, Sinead brought a jar filled with affirmations, and each participant was invited to take one as they left the workshop.

This workshop provided a supportive space for participants to reflect, connect, and develop practical strategies for nurturing their mental health in the workplace.

Celebrating World Mental Health Day with Smart D8 and Inchicore College of Further Education

On Thursday, October 10th, 2024, Smart D8 teamed up with Inchicore College of Further Education to mark World Mental Health Day with a series of engaging and impactful events. The day featured a range of activities designed to promote mental health awareness and provide practical tools for managing wellbeing. Smart D8’s Tutors and Facilitators led three key sessions: a mental health talk, a psychoeducation workshop for students, and a workplace wellness session for both staff and students.

Mental Health Initiatives delivered by The Smart D8 Tutors and Facilitators Panel

• Empowering Minds: Mental Wellbeing Talk

Kicking off the day’s events, Smart D8 Tutor Deirdre McCormick led a Mental Wellbeing Talk from 11 am to 12 pm in the Main Hall. The session provided an insightful overview of mental health, focusing on the importance of self-care and the resources available to support mental wellbeing.

Deirdre’s talk centered around demystifying mental health, fostering an understanding of what contributes to mental wellbeing, and exploring effective coping strategies. Attendees appreciated the interactive start, which involved a grounding exercise using breathwork and somatic awareness, helping to create a calm and focused atmosphere.

Throughout the talk, Deirdre drew on her own lived experiences, which resonated with the audience and helped build a genuine connection. The use of accessible metaphors to explain mental health concepts, combined with a helpful QR code linking to additional mental health resources, ensured the session was both informative and practical. Participants left with a clearer understanding of mental wellbeing and a curiosity to explore further.

• Navigating Emotions: A Workshop on Balancing Your Nervous System

From 1 pm to 2 pm, Smart D8 Tutor Evan Dwan took the stage with a workshop titled Balancing Your Emotions and Nervous System, designed to equip students with practical tools for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional regulation. Held in Room 30, this interactive session introduced participants to somatic-based techniques and the Window of Tolerance model, offering a toolkit for maintaining mental balance.

The workshop featured a range of exercises—Grounding, Tracking, Resourcing, Orienting, Breathwork, and Parts Practice—that proved highly effective, particularly the Resourcing exercise, which resonated deeply with participants. While the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, there was a suggestion for more reflective activities at the end, and a structured plan to help attendees apply their new skills in real life.

Looking ahead, future workshops could expand on the psychoeducational elements, including how the brain processes and internalizes experiences. Additionally, more emphasis on building secure relationships would enhance the learning experience.

• The 4 Pillars of Mental Health: Building a Foundation for Wellbeing

The final session of the day, held from 3 pm to 4 pm, was a Workplace Wellness Workshop led by Margaret O’Brien, focusing on the Four Pillars of Mental Health—nutrition, movement, sleep, and relaxation. Designed for both staff and students, the workshop highlighted how these pillars are interrelated and essential for maintaining both mental and physical wellbeing.

Participants quickly warmed up to the session, engaging in discussions around the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The interactive format allowed attendees to share personal experiences and ask thoughtful questions, making the workshop both educational and relatable.

Margaret offered practical advice, including small, manageable lifestyle changes that could significantly impact daily wellbeing. From stress management techniques to dietary tweaks and sleep tips, participants left with actionable steps they could immediately implement. The “Four Pillars” concept was especially well-received, with attendees appreciating how a balanced approach to these areas could lead to improved mental health.

Conclusions

Class Recap

On October 9th, 2024, Simone Meschnig hosted an office yoga class at Space 6 in the Grainstore in The Digital Hub, Dublin 8.  This session focused on allowing participants to try something new by practicing yoga with a chair. The class aimed to provide office workers with practical, easy-to-implement techniques to reduce stress and tension during their workday. The class featured a blend of breathwork, mindful movement, and relaxation exercises, all designed to be accessible for individuals at different levels of physical capability.

This workshop was part of the Health and Wellbeing Initiatives delivered by The Smart D8 Panel for the Employees of Companies based in The Digital Hub (4/5).

Class Highlights

Icebreaker and Participant Engagement

The class began with a warm introduction and light conversation to ease participants into the atmosphere. Simone shared her experience working in an office environment and how these exercises had personally benefited her. She also encouraged attendees to be mindful of their own physical boundaries, creating a safe, inclusive space for everyone. The Tibetan singing bowls, which were incorporated into the class, added a calming element, setting a relaxed tone for the practice.

Breathwork, Visualization and Mindful Movement

The class included breathwork exercises accompanied by soothing sounds from the singing bowls. Participants were guided to visualize releasing their worries by “blowing” them into imaginary balloons, which helped them feel lighter and more at ease. The yoga practice itself was conducted at a slow, mindful pace, alternating between standing and seated exercises, ensuring everyone could comfortably participate. The class ended with a tapping exercise to promote relaxation, followed by a final guided relaxation with the singing bowls.

Special Shoulder Service and Feedback

At the end of the session, participants were invited to share their favourite exercises and how they might integrate them into their daily lives. While filling out feedback forms, attendees were also offered a quick “shoulder service” using a tuning fork, which was a hit among the group. Many expressed their enjoyment and enthusiasm for future classes.

Class Goals

The primary goal of this class was to introduce participants to practical yoga exercises that they could easily incorporate into their workday to manage stress and tension. The class aimed to equip attendees with techniques they could use daily to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Through breathwork, visualization, and mindful movement, participants learned to reconnect with their bodies, reduce stress, and improve focus. The class successfully provided participants with tools they could use during or after a busy workday. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many loving the practical and accessible nature of the exercises. The special shoulder service was a memorable highlight, and participants left feeling more relaxed and eager for more classes. Overall, the session was a success, with great potential for future sessions.

Session Recap

On October 2nd, 2024, Aurora Procopio hosted a mindfulness and meditation class at Space 6 in the Grainstore in The Digital Hub, Dublin 8.  This session focused on helping participants recognize the “autopilote mode” we often slip into during our busy lives. The session offered practical tools to step out of this mode and reconnect with the present moment. Through a combination of experiments, reflections, and mindfulness exercises, participants learned how to better manage stress and enhance their overall wellbeing.

This workshop was part of the Health and Wellbeing Initiatives delivered by The Smart D8 Panel for the Employees of Companies based in The Digital Hub (3/5).

Session Highlights

Understanding Autopilot Mode

The workshop started by bringing awareness to how easily we fall into autopilot—doing tasks without conscious awareness, whether in work, relationships, or everyday life. While autopilot can make us efficient, it can also lead to disconnection and stress if we don’t step out of it. Through a short experiment, participants recognized how their minds operate even during moments of rest.

Group Reflection and Sharing

Participants engaged in thoughtful reflections on their experiences during the experiment. This open sharing allowed the group to discuss how autopilot affects their daily lives and how mindfulness can help regain control of the present moment. The interactive structure of the workshop was highly appreciated, fostering deeper connections among attendees.

Mindfulness Practice

The session concluded with a practical mindfulness exercise designed to help participants shift out of autopilot and back into the present. This exercise was shared as a useful tool to integrate into daily life. Attendees were also encouraged to request a recording of the exercise for continued practice.

Session Goals

The goal of the workshop was to provide participants with practical techniques to become more mindful and aware of their actions, especially when they find themselves overwhelmed or stressed. By highlighting the importance of stepping out of autopilot, the session aimed to give attendees tools they can easily incorporate into their daily wellbeing routine. The overall objective was to empower individuals to take control of their mental space and live more consciously, rather than being driven by automatic responses.

Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the practical and interactive approach. The workshop structure and focus on personal reflection resonated well with the group, and it has inspired future sessions that may allow for more time dedicated to discussion and shared experiences.

Class Recap

On September 25th, 2024, Michael Noonan led a fun and engaging class in iD8 Studio in The Digital Hub, Dublin 8. During the class, participants had the opportunity to learn how to play chess in an interactive, playful and collaborative environment.

This workshop was part of the Health and Wellbeing Initiatives delivered by The Smart D8 Panel for the Employees of Companies based in The Digital Hub (2/5).

Class Highlights

Learning Chess Basics and Strategy

The workshop focused on teaching participants how to play chess, with a particular emphasis on strategies to enhance their game. Attendees learned key techniques and were able to immediately put them into practice by playing against each other.

Introducing Chess.com

In addition to hands-on practice, the workshop introduced participants to Chess.com, a platform that can help improve their game through online resources and tutorials. This was highlighted as a valuable tool for continued learning after the workshop.

Interactive Chess Matches

Participants were given the opportunity to test their skills by playing matches against each other. This not only reinforced the strategies they learned but also fostered a sense of friendly competition.

Class Goals

The primary goal of the workshop was to teach attendees the fundamentals of chess and guide them through basic strategies to improve their game. Another key objective was to introduce Chess.com as a resource for ongoing development. Overall, the workshop aimed to provide participants with the knowledge and tools to practice and enhance their skills independently.

Feedback from participants was positive, although many felt that more time was needed to complete a full game. Based on this, future workshops will likely be extended to two hours to allow for deeper learning and more playing time.