The past year has been challenging, what with the Covid-19 pandemic and its ripple effects from isolation (physical or otherwise) to uncertainty about the future. But whether or not a result of the outbreak, anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions are what we need to be more comfortable acknowledging so we can be OK asking for help if we need it, and lending support if others do.
World Mental Health Day, which falls on Oct 10 every year, raises awareness about mental health problems, signs and symptoms, as well as the importance of getting treated. Here are meaningful ways you can honour the occasion this year, from workouts (both virtual and physical) to exhibitions and webinars.
Let’s get real: Women are often loaded with responsibilities on the home front, and as a result, we are often our last priority when we should be putting ourselves first.
As part of Under Armour’s month-long #U1st campaign to champion and inspire women to put themselves first, Under Armour has organised weekly Instagram Live chats with extraordinary women to inspire you to set goals, prepare for the road ahead, fuel your body and keep your mental game strong.
Join the #U1st Instagram Live chats @UnderArmourSoutheastAsia every Wednesday at 8pm:
• Oct 6: Set Your Goals with marathoner Natalie Dau and national swimmer Amanda Lim
• Oct 13: Get Prepped with sports presenter Kelly Latimer and physiotherapist Preet Singh
• Oct 20: Fuel The Tank with fitness trainer Cheryl Loh and nutritionist Betty Kovacs
• Oct 27: Train The Mind with sports presenter Kelly Latimer and paralympian Theresa Goh
Also as part of Under Armour’s #U1st campaign, Under Armour is teaming up with Virgin Active to host outdoor community workouts (Cycle and BODYCOMBAT) on three Saturdays in October.
• Oct 9, 8.30am and 9.30am
• Oct 16, 8.30am and 9.30am
• Oct 23, 8.30am and 9.30am
To take place on Oct 9, 16 and 23 for free. Sign up on a first-come-first-serve basis here.
Under Armour’s #U1st campaign will conclude with an exclusive sunrise yoga event with strong and inspiring women from the community on Oct 30, 6.30am. Simply share how you put “U” first – registrants with the best answers will be invited to attend the event.
To take place on Oct 30, by invite. Sign up here.
Yoga can do wonders for your body, and that includes creating mental clarity and calmness. This Mental Health Day, strengthen your mind and body with a Māori inspired virtual yoga session with Taane Mete as he weaves Māori values into his very own virtual classes that are free on his Instagram at @taane_mete.
This monthly Group Dance Movement Therapy session by Movemental welcomes anyone seeking a space to pause, reflect, learn, nourish and heal through creative body movement.
To take place on Oct 2 and entry costs $25. Register here.
This talk a collaborative effort between TEC CommunityTM and Osler Health International will help you recognise the signs of mental health concern in those around you, what you can do to help and support, and what ‘support’ looks like in Singapore.
To take place on Oct 6 for free. Register here.
Aching for more therapeutic groove sessions? Then also sign up for these Sh’bam and Zumba workouts hosted by AIA Vitality’s gym partner, Fitness First.
To take place on Oct 10 for free. Register here.
Learn how to safeguard your mental and emotional wellness by tuning in to this event hosted by HOPE worldwide Singapore.
To take place on Oct 10 for free. Register here.
Put together by ThisConnect.today, a local mental health and arts advocacy group, this exhibition explores the labels and judgement surrounding mental health, allow audiences to reconsider their sense of self if without societal stigmas.
To be held till Oct 31. Visit here for more info.
This workshop by AIA Vitality will teach you how to whip up guilt-free versions of your favourite desserts with local host Rosalyn Lee and Leon Lim MasterChef SG Season 2 runner-up Leon Lim.
To take place on Oct 10 for free. Visit here for info on equipment and ingredients to prepare in advance.