Category: News

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.

 

Workshop Recap

On September 11th, 2024, Sarah Kilcoyne hosted a special Cacao Ceremony & Kirtan workshop at Studio 2 in The Digital Hub, Dublin 8.  This workshop focused on fostering mental health and wellbeing through mindfulness, voicework, and chanting.

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 (1/5).

Workshop Highlights

During this one hour-long workshop, participants gathered in circle with a cup of ceremonial grade cacao to drink, set an intention for themselves through a guided meditation, and expressed themselves through voice work and chanting mantra, practicing Kirtan.

Cacao Ceremony

The Cacao Ceremony ritual helped participants to connect to the present moment and reconnect to themselves and their inner landscape. Participants experienced increased focus and concentration, less mental clutter, and a feeling of being more grounded and at ease within themselves. When sitting in a cacao ceremony, one is encouraged to self-reflect, to practice self compassion and gratitude, and to set an intention for themselves as to what type of energy they would like to cultivate within themselves for the hour,  and then they can carry that intention with them for the rest of their day/week.

Guided Meditation

Sarah led a guided meditation, integrating breathwork to help participants activate their parasympathetic nervous system. This relaxation technique promoted calmness, reduced stress, and supported overall mental health by slowing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing relaxation.

Kirtan (Chanting)

The workshop concluded with a Kirtan session, where participants were invited to sing mantras alongside Sarah, while she played the harmonium, musically accompanying the singing. Using Sanskrit mantras and the harmonium, the repetitive practice helped participants focus on the present moment. Participants had the chance to learn the meaning of the Sanskrit words and the origin of the word ‘Mantra’, which comes from the junction of two words: Man – meaning mind, and Tra- meaning thread. When chanting mantra we are weaving threads of conscious words and thoughts through the mind to purify, bring clarity and transform harmful thinking. This then transports the mind into stillness. It is also widely believed that singing and syncing our breath together in time with the music promotes wellbeing and co-regulation within the group. Chanting together fostered a sense of unity and wellbeing within the group, with many feeling comfortable expressing their voices.

Workshop Goals

The primary goal of this workshop was to offer Dublin 8 workers a break from their daily routines, providing them with tools to foster and promote mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. By introducing these modalities, Sarah aimed to expand participants’ “window of tolerance”—the zone where people function most effectively. Because, when people are within this zone, they have a greater capacity to receive, process and integrate information and respond more efficiently and calmly to the demands asked of them. Therefore, the workshop helped participants learn how to remain calm and centered, even under the pressures of work.

Through the cacao ceremony, meditation, and Kirtan, the event sought to give participants new practices to help reduce stress, cultivate mindfulness, and nurture their emotional wellbeing in the workplace. The overall feedback was highly positive, with many attendees leaving feeling calmer, more grounded, and eager to incorporate these techniques into their lives.

To watch the video showcasing the best moments from the ‘Cacao Ceremony & Kirtan’ workshop, please visit this link: https://vimeo.com/1017878140.

Class Recap

On September 4^th, from 1 pm to 2:15 pm, Smart D8, in collaboration with Aurora Procopio, a skilled Yin Yoga instructor, hosted the ‘Yin Yoga’ class. This event took place in iD8 at The Digital Depot and aimed at bringing the Dublin 8 community together to celebrate the end of the summer with Smart D8.

Yin Yoga is a meditative, slow-paced style of yoga that incorporates principles of Traditional Chinese medicine with asanas. It is based on the Taoist concept of Yin and Yang, where Yin represents stable, passive, and feminine energy, and Yang represents dynamic, active, and masculine energy.

Class Highlights

Yin Yoga is distinct from other styles of yoga, with most poses performed seated on the floor and held for longer periods, typically between 3 to 6 minutes. This practice primarily focuses on the lower part of the body, such as the hips, pelvis, inner thighs, and lower spine, which are rich in connective tissues. Yin Yoga offers numerous physical, energetic, mental, and emotional benefits, assisting with personal and spiritual growth. On a physical level, it aims to “stress” the connective tissues through tension and compression, gradually increasing their strength, thickness, and flexibility. Energetically, Yin Yoga promotes the flow of QI energy, improving blood circulation, maintaining organ health, and stimulating the 12 meridian lines where energy flows, thus balancing our energy and emotions.

Class Goals

The Yin Yoga session helped participants to focus on their inner selves by being present and aware of the moment, countering the busyness of daily life and the tendency to operate on autopilot. Poses like Butterfly pose, Swan pose, Bananasana, and Child pose were featured during the class and participants used personal cushions for extra comfort during the various yoga poses and also to increase the “stress” in designated areas, enhancing the overall practice. Regular practice of Yin Yoga offers many health and emotional benefits, such as improved flexibility, tissue hydration, breath awareness, and relaxation of the mind and body.

Overview

After successfully collaborating with various organisations and professionals across Dublin 8 to deliver health and wellbeing initiatives to residents from January to May 2024, Smart D8 has now established a Panel of Tutors and Facilitators with diverse expertise to lead and facilitate engaging workshops with workers on various health and wellbeing topics.

This September and October, The Digital Hub is partnering with The Smart D8 Tutors and Facilitators Panel to offer a series of health and wellbeing workshops for the employees of companies based in The Digital Hub. Each workshop will be one hour long, taking place during lunch breaks from mid-September to mid-October, across different venues within The Digital Hub.

Workshops Available

1. CACAO CEREMONY & KIRTAN: An hour to calm and ground yourself with a cup of ceremonial cacao and guided meditation.

• Date: Wednesday, 11th September
• Time: 1-2 pm
• Location: Studio 2 at 10-13 Thomas Street, The Digital Hub, Dublin 8, D08 PX8H.

2. TO CHESS OR NOT TO CHESS: Come and learn how to play chess.

• Date: Wednesday, 25th September
• Time: 1-2 pm
• Location: iD8 Studio at The Gatelodge, Roe Lane (off Thomas Street), The Digital Hub, Dublin 8, D08 EY05.

3. AWAKENING TO THE PRESENT MOMENT: How mindfulness and meditation can help you to step out of the autopilot mode.

• Date: Wednesday, 2nd October
• Time: 1-2 pm
• Location: Space 6, The Grainstore, Roe Lane (off Thomas Street), The Digital Hub, Dublin 8, D08 KC81.

4. NURTURING MENTAL WELLBEING IN THE WORKPLACE: Fostering mental health and wellbeing in a supportive work environment using creativity.

• Date: Tuesday, 8th October
• Time: 1-2 pm
• Location: Learning Studio, Digital Depot, Roe Lane (off Thomas Street), The Digital Hub, Dublin 8, D08 TCV4.

5. OFFICE YOGA: Try out something new and practice yoga with a chair.

• Date: Wednesday, 9th October
• Time: 1-2 pm
• Location: iD8 Studio at The Gatelodge, Roe Lane (off Thomas Street), The Digital Hub, Dublin 8, D08 EY05.

How to Register

If you are an employee of a company or organisation based at The Digital Hub campus then you are welcome to attend these workshops, which will be held at lunchtime at The Digital Hub campus. They are free to attend, however you must register your attendance in advance. Due to limited availability, early registration is encouraged.

Email Giulia Camera, Smart D8 Enterprise and Learning Coordinator, at giulia@smartd8.ie and specify the workshop(s) you would like to register for and the number of places you’d like to reserve. Please also confirm the company/organisation you are working with at The Digital Hub.

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

Introduction

The collaboration between Smart D8 and the Mercer’s Institute for Successful Ageing (MISA) at St James’s Hospital in Dublin 8 was a remarkable initiative aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of older adults and hospital staff through projects supporting healthy living and creativity across the life course. This partnership, supported by Smart D8 funding, facilitated a series of creative projects and events over April and May 2024, emphasizing the intersection of health, community, and creativity.

Smart D8 funding supported three different projects developed and delivered by Creative Life MISA, a key pillar within the Mercer’s Institute for Successful Ageing at St. James’s. Creative Life MISA is dedicated to promoting mental and physical wellbeing through access to various arts practices.

1. The Artist In Residence Series & The Bealtaine Festival

One of the highlights of the collaboration between Smart D8 and Creative Life MISA was the Artist in Residence Series, featuring Emma McKeagney. Emma, an accomplished artist and writer, facilitated art workshops for older adults both in MISA’s clinical wards and in the Dublin 8 community through MISA’s social prescribing team. These workshops aimed to reach older adults living in isolation, allowing them and their families to join the art-making series. Her workshops, centered around the ancient festival of Bealtaine, provided participants with a unique opportunity to explore storytelling and art-making, fostering a sense of community and creativity.

Bealtaine, traditionally celebrated to mark the start of summer around May 1st, has been an important festival in Ireland for over a thousand years. It marked the time when cattle and livestock were brought to their summer pastures. Festivities and rituals were planned to protect the flocks, encourage growth in the harvest, look after people, and instill hope for the future. This included large bonfires, gatherings, and decorating the May Bush with flowers, ribbons, and other items. The oldest person in the household traditionally decorated the May Bush, which was left up from May 1st to 31st.

The series took place over eight Thursdays between April and May 2024, exploring themes of light and Bealtaine through storytelling and art-making. On average, 12 people attended the art workshop sessions over eight weeks for 90 minutes each. Participants created a May Bush in the MISA courtyard to protect the community and instill hope for the future. Visual art pieces and decorations made by participants from Kilmainham MISA Ward and older adults in the community included hanging ribbons and chimes, painted and written with wishes for the future, love for family members, and good summer weather.

These sessions culminated in a public showcase on May 23, 2024, where participants shared their artworks and experiences. The exhibition, held over one month in MISA, engaged many patients, their families, hospital staff, and the community. The initiatives reached a broad audience, with over 500 daily visitors to the Creative Life area during the public showcase and significant engagement on social media platforms.

All participants felt empowered after the showcase and hoped it would continue in Creative Life. They enjoyed the freedom of making art within a group each week and this was a first-time experience for all attendees to participate and create an art showcase.

2. The Documentary Screening

Smart D8 funding also contributed to refreshments at a documentary screening in MISA for a national Bealtaine festival event. The documentary, titled “The Art Of Living,” was created by Cork-based filmmaker Cormac O’Connor in 2021. It is a one-hour film celebrating the creative and civic lives of older people in Cork. The film showcases and celebrates a group of older citizens who, despite their advancing years, remain highly active in the community and the arts. It explores the idea that creativity, often perceived as the domain of the young, can be enriched by the maturity and sensibility that comes with older age. The documentary aimed to be life-affirming, interviewing older people who draw strength from their creativity. The screening was attended by 86 people.

3. The International Nurse’s Day

Smart D8 funding also supported Creative Life MISA projects such as International Nurses’ Day at St. James’s Hospital, during which Asha Ari, a renowned Ghanaian/Irish singer-songwriter, performed to support healthcare. Approximately 200 people attended the event. Her performances not only entertained but also connected healthcare assistants with their cultural roots, culminating in a moving rendition of the African Union song.

Feedback from Participants

Participants in the Creative Life MISA initiatives shared their experiences and the positive impact these projects had on their lives:

• “This series has been very helpful. It helped improve my self-esteem and confidence. In the beginning, I didn’t think I would be good at painting, but with Emma’s help and guidance, I found my way.”
• “I really enjoyed our times in Creative Life. The staff were so helpful and lovely to be with. Meeting up with people was therapeutic.”
• “Thanks to whoever organized this for all of us living with dementia. It was brilliant.”
• “This art course has been wonderful for both my wife and me. I strongly hope that other people are encouraged to participate in the Creative Life MISA – Smart D8 program. The people organizing this course have been fantastic.”
• “I think something like this is a real gift to someone like my little sister to get her out and doing something. It was good for me too.”
• “I never did any arty things before. I love it. I’m still no good at art, but now I know that doesn’t matter. It takes my mind off things when I am here, and it’s relaxing.”
• “I really enjoyed the course and would be interested in taking part in something like this again in MISA.”

Conclusion

Smart D8 funding contributed to the program at Creative Life, MISA, SJH. Numerous creative initiatives took place over two months, enabling older adults within MISA and the Dublin 8 community to access arts and culture at the Creative Life Hub. This collaboration allowed artists Emma McKeagney and Asha Ari to facilitate and support both older adults and hospital staff in connecting to their creative sides. Participant feedback suggested they had successful and positive experiences on both individual and community levels. This funding developed a wonderful collaboration working on shared goals between Creative Life, MISA, and Smart D8, with the potential to grow in the future through advanced planning and engagement to access arts, culture, and healthy aging at the intersection of the hospital and community.

Introduction and Overview

Smart D8, a pioneering population health and wellbeing demonstrator, has been at the forefront of tackling real-world health and wellbeing challenges since its inception in 2020. By demonstrating new forms of collaboration while piloting new digital technologies and services, Smart D8 offers unique opportunities to address pressing population health issues.

The primary mechanism used to address these challenges has been the implementation of open calls for pilots. These open calls for pilots have taken place every March from 2021, addressing specific health challenges each year and resulting in the successful execution of 12 key pilot projects to date, with numerous others in the pipeline.

Apart from the pilot scheme, another strategy used to address these challenges is the support of health and wellbeing initiatives. In fact, since January 2024, Smart D8 has been actively supporting various organisations and professionals across Dublin 8, facilitating the delivery of health and wellbeing workshops for both workers and residents in the area. These initiatives catered to diverse age groups and covered a range of themes, such as healthy food and eating, physical health and wellbeing, successful and positive ageing, and mental health.

As a result of these endeavours, thousands of individuals have been inspired and engaged by innovative pilots and health and wellbeing initiatives. Smart D8 has now established relationships with 30 community organisations, three community networks, and 10 schools in Dublin 8, and is now looking to expand its offerings.

To further extend its impact, Smart D8 is now seeking to establish a panel of tutors and facilitators to deliver inspirational and educational workshops on health and wellbeing with a wide range of partners to workers based in Dublin 8.

This represents an exciting and unique opportunity for individuals with an interest in developing their tutoring and facilitation skills while contributing to the health and wellbeing of the Dublin 8 community. All of this while working within an innovative environment and engaging with a community of innovators and entrepreneurs.

Smart D8 Workshops Themes

Smart D8 is looking to establish a panel of tutors and facilitators to deliver inspirational and educational workshops on health and wellbeing to employees of companies based in Dublin 8. These workshops aim to empower the Dublin 8 working community with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

Therefore, we’re now seeking expertise in various health and wellbeing fields to lead the engaging and informative workshops mentioned above. Find below the two main areas we are interested in recruiting:

DISEASE PREVENTION AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE

• Skin Disease Prevention
• Cancer Prevention
• Diabetes Prevention
• First Aid and CPR

PHYSICAL/MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING 

• Nutrition and Diet (i.e., healthy cooking and eating habits)
• Sport (e.g., yoga, tai-chi etc…)
• Positive Sleep Habits
• Mindfulness and Meditation
• Psychoeducation (e.g., teaching coping skills for anxiety, depression, stress etc…)
• DIY and Craft Activities (e.g., woodworking, metalworking, upcycling projects etc…)
• Cultural and Recreational Activities (e.g., music sessions, art classes, film screenings, writing classes, gardening classes, etc…)
• Social Activities (e.g., learning to play chess, pool, table tennis, darts, etc…)

Smart D8 seeks to support the development of impactful health and wellbeing workshops with the potential to scale. The tutors and facilitators should be ready to deploy the workshops with Dublin 8 companies’ employees starting September 2024.

Who Should Apply?

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Expertise in any of the mentioned above areas.
• Experience or strong interest in health and wellbeing.
• S/he/they will work well under pressure and have the ability to work on his/her/their own initiative.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES 

• S/he/they will be an effective and engaging communicator with the ability to inspire in a positive way.
• S/he/they will have excellent, interpersonal and presentation skills – both written and verbal.
• Excellent analytical skills – can identify a problem/risk and propose solutions to multi-faceted problems (essential).
• Excellent time management skills and highly organized. The ability to meet deadlines while working on multiple projects simultaneously, to priorities tasks and see through to completion (essential).
• Flexible approach – available to work outside normal hours are required on an occasional basis (essential).
• Resourceful / conscientious and self-motivated individual with a ‘can do attitude’ – ability to see tasks through to completion (essential).

TUTORS AND FACILITATORS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsibility for the operational project management of health and wellbeing workshops with workers in Dublin 8.
• Engaging the employees of companies based in Dublin 8 to participate in activities and capturing data to benchmarking impacts.
• Responsibility for the coordination, planning and implementation of health and wellbeing workshops, events and meetings including events to promote the workshops.
• Monitoring, collection and timely reporting of project outputs, milestones and deliverables to the Management team and associated co-funding agencies.

Why Apply?

Smart D8 offers a unique opportunity for tutors and facilitators to work within an innovative environment and to engage with the working community of Dublin 8.

The selected tutors and facilitators will receive:

• An hourly fee which will cover training of the selected panel as well as course development, delivery and assessment.
• Opportunities as they arise as we deploy and implement our health and wellbeing workshops throughout the next 12 months.
• Access to learning facilities, equipment, venues for the workshops, and meeting spaces.
• Opportunities as they arise to networking opportunities with the unique range and diversity of partners in the Smart D8 Consortium, and with innovators, technologists, creatives and entrepreneurs.
• Access to the vibrant Dublin 8 community, with a population of 43,000 people.

How to Apply?

If you are interested in applying, please send the following to giulia@smartd8.ie:

• a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience are suited for the role on the panel;
• a CV no more than two pages in length, which should be submitted on or before Friday 12^th July 2024.

Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview.

Successful applicants will be chosen by a selection panel established by Smart D8.

Call opens: Wednesday, 12^th June 2024

Call closes: Friday, 12^th July 2024

Workshops to start: September 2024

Late submissions will not be accepted.

All materials submitted should be clearly labelled with the applicant’s name and contact details.

The selection panel, whose decision is final, has the right to clarify any issue which may arise in the course of selection.

Applicants may be asked to supply the names and contact details of referees as part of the selection process.

Smart D8 reserves the right not to award commissions and, in this instance, reserves the right to pursue other selection processes.

Submissions will not be returned.

Eligibility and General Conditions

Smart D8 is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion within its sector, protecting human rights and eliminating discrimination.

If you have a disability or require reasonable accommodations as part of our application process, we strongly encourage you to share this with us so that we can ensure you get the support you need.

Selected tutors and facilitators will be required to follow national policy with regard to commissions involving interaction with vulnerable adults and where applicable undergo training in this area, as per national requirements.

The appointed candidates will have to supply an up-to-date tax clearance certificate prior to signing of contract and for the duration of the panel.

Please email any queries in relation to the Tutors and Facilitators panel to giulia@smartd8.ie before Friday 21^st June 2024.

Event Recap

On May 29th, from 1 pm to 2 pm, Smart D8, in collaboration with Simone Meschnig, Laughter Yoga Leader, Sound Healing Practitioner, and Meditation & Yoga Teacher, hosted the ‘Laughter Yoga’ session. Held in iD8 at The Digital Depot, this event marked the sixth workshop dedicated to Mental Health Awareness Month.

Workshop Highlights

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Laughter Yoga combines three powerful elements:

1. Laughter and Playfulness
2. Yogic Breathwork
3. Mindfulness Meditation

Laughter Yoga uniquely blends unconditional laughter exercises with yogic breathing, without relying on jokes or humor. The practice is based on the idea that the body doesn’t distinguish between real and simulated laughter, resulting in increased oxygen intake and enhanced energy and health. As a powerful cardio workout, Laughter Yoga stimulates physical exercise through laughter while maintaining eye contact with others, promoting genuine playfulness. This often leads to real, contagious laughter, bypassing intellectual barriers that usually inhibit natural laughter.

Method

Laughter Yoga sessions begin with gentle warm-up techniques such as stretching and body movements to break down inhibitions and encourage playfulness. Breathing exercises prepare the lungs for laughter, followed by a series of laughter exercises that combine acting and visualization techniques with playful interactions. These exercises, supported by the social dynamics of group behaviour, lead to prolonged hearty laughter. A typical session concludes with laughter meditation and deep relaxation, leaving participants refreshed and rejuvenated.

Benefits 

Participating in Laughter Yoga offers numerous benefits:

• Increased Oxygen and Endorphins: boosts feel-good hormones in the body;
• Stronger Immune System: enhances overall physical health;
• Reduced Stress: eases physical, mental, and emotional tension;
• Pain Relief: helps alleviate pain and discomfort;
• Lower Blood Sugar Levels: contributes to better health management;
• Natural Antidepressant Effects: releases endorphins and serotonin, mimicking the effects of some antidepressants;
• Mental Clarity and Creativity: promotes a clearer, more creative mind;
• Emotional Catharsis: provides a powerful experience of emotional release and joyfulness that can last for days;
• Positive Mental Attitude: develops resilience and positivity to navigate challenging times;
• Spiritual Connection: encourages self-awareness and spiritual growth;
• Fostering Compassion: cultivates forgiveness, generosity, and a desire to seek the happiness of others.

Workshop Goals

This Laughter Yoga session connected people at a heart level, free from judgment, embodying the true spirit of yoga. Participants engaged in gentle stretches, giggles, and laughter exercises, making new connections and leaving the class feeling lighter and more energized.

To watch the video showcasing the best moments from the ‘Laughter Yoga’ session, please visit this link: https://vimeo.com/952020304?share=copy

Event Recap

On May 30th, from 12:45 pm to 1:45 pm, Smart D8 teamed up with St Patrick’s Mental Health Services to host the ‘Managing Burnout And Stress: Is BOSS The Boss Of You’ talk in the Conference Room at St Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin 8. This event marked the seventh mental health workshop facilitated by SPMHS’ Programme Manager, Debbie Van Tonder, in honour of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Workshop Highlights

Identifying Burnout Stress Syndrome (BOSS)

Burnout, now recognized by the WHO in the ICD-11, is a chronic state of physical and emotional exhaustion due to prolonged stress, often work-related. Characterized by extreme fatigue, detachment, and diminished accomplishment, burnout can negatively impact work performance, relationships, and overall well-being.

Ignoring burnout can worsen its effects, potentially leading to severe physical and mental health issues and decreased job performance. Burnout stems from accumulated work stress, causing exhaustion, energy loss, and a lack of motivation.

Common Signs of Burnout

Burnout manifests through various symptoms, including:

• Constant fatigue;
• Feelings of helplessness and defeat;
• Emotional detachment and isolation;
• Cynicism and negativity;
• Self-doubt;
• Procrastination and inefficiency;
• Overwhelm and frustration;
• Reduced job satisfaction;
• Sleep disturbances;
• Increased irritability and physical distress.

Causes of Burnout

Factors contributing to burnout include:

• Emotional exhaustion: persistent fatigue after work
• Depersonalization: alienation from colleagues and workplace
• Low self-esteem: feelings of inadequacy and failure at work
• Lack of control: inability to influence job aspects
• Unclear expectations: uncertainty about job responsibilities
• Conflicts: issues with colleagues or supervisors
• Imbalanced workload: either too much or too little to do
• Insufficient support: feeling isolated at work
• Poor work-life balance: excessive work affecting personal life

Burnout is not merely due to long hours or busyness; it’s the result of prolonged high stress without adequate recovery.

Developing Stress Resilience

Resilience involves adapting, recovering, and growing from adversity, helping to manage and prevent burnout. Key aspects include:

1. Stress Management: engaging in stress-reducing activities like exercise and mindfulness.
2. Adaptability: being flexible and finding solutions during challenges.
3. Positive Mindset: focusing on strengths and maintaining motivation.
4. Boundaries and Self-Care: setting realistic expectations and avoiding overcommitment.
5. Social Support: building strong support networks for emotional support.

Building resilience involves self-awareness, supportive relationships, self-care, realistic goals, positive thinking, problem-solving skills, stress management techniques, adaptability, and seeking professional help if necessary.

Coping Strategies for Burnout

To manage burnout:

1. Explore Options: discuss concerns with your boss and set realistic goals.
2. Seek Support: talk to colleagues, friends, or loved ones.
3. Relaxation Activities: engage in yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
4. Exercise: regular physical activity to reduce stress.
5. Sleep: ensure restful sleep.
6. Mindfulness: stay aware of your internal and external environment without judgment.
7. Balance: allocate time for family, friends, and personal activities.

Employer Responsibilities

• Develop strategies for mental health and regular stress assessments.
• Provide access to counseling services and Employee Assistance Programs.
• Promote open communication, regular breaks, and a healthy work-life balance.
• Discourage stigma around mental health and prevent unreasonable workloads.

Workshop Goals

Participants at this talk learned that understanding resilience is crucial in addressing burnout. By building resilience, they can better handle stress and challenges, leading to improved wellbeing and success. This ongoing process enhances personal growth and leads to a more fulfilling life.