Staying Well in 2022 and During Omicron

Not only is January a time when lots of folks commit or re-commit to making their overall wellness and mental and physical well-being a priority, but we are also currently dealing with a resurgence of Covid-19 cases due to the Omicron variant which is impacting people's mental health and wellness. In order to support those of you who are looking for supports during this time, and particularly free/low-cost and virtual supports, we wanted to compile a list of resources for you that may help.

Mental Health

• ​CMHA NS 'Rebuilding our Resilience' virtual workshops - FREE two-day online workshops that explore topics such as problem-solving, communication skills, conflict management, understanding triggers, boundaries, goal setting and rebuilding healthy social connections. These are all things that help folks better manage stress, find enjoyment in life, build coping skills and improve relationships. Workshops are being held throughout January, February and March. To learn more and register, click here.
• Open Mindfulness Group (OMG) via ZOOM - FREE. Thursdays 10-11 am. Facilitated by experienced mindfulness practitioners, all welcome! Contact Julia Creighton for more information juliamcreighton@gmail.com
• NS Health Virtual Health and Wellness Programming - NS Health Community Health Teams has put together a wide range of free, online sessions and programming to support your mental health such as Introduction to self compassion, Discovering your strengths, Exploring emotions, Time-management and well being, Take charge of your stress, How to speak assertively and more. Check out the winter program guide for more information and to register.
• South Shore Public Libraries Winter Programming - Guided meditation, colouring for stress relief, bread making, sewing, creative crafty stuff and more! SSPL has some wonderful programming planned for January and February, for both kids and adults. Their programming is largely in-person, and always free. Check out the SSPL winter program guide!​
• Explore the Resources and Wellness pages of our website for more tips and info.

Nutrition, Movement, and Physical Well-Being

• Eating Disorders NS Support - New Year's Resolution Season can be very triggering and challenging for those who have a difficult relationship with food and exercise. Eating Disorders NS has a free, Virtual Peer Support Group every Thursday. "This time of year, a little extra support can go a long way. Check out our Peer Support Group, facilitated by our trained Peer Mentors. No diagnosis, no referral, no judgement. Get the Welcome Package and Zoom link here: https://bit.ly/3nLHDzg" ED NS also puts on regular virtual workshops, and offers counselling and nutrition counselling (these last two services are not free, but there is some financial help available to access)
• NS Health Virtual Health and Wellness Programming - NS Health Community Health Teams has put together a wide range of online sessions and programming for the winter months to assist you in learning how to meet your physical health and wellness goals. Topics such as Meal planning and recipe inspiration, Food and mood, Beginners guide to plant-based eating, 'Beyond weight, shifting focus to health', Ready Set Move, Sit Less / Move More, Finding an online exercise program, the truth about weight and exercise, and more. Check out the winter program guide for more information and to register.
• Virtual Chair Yoga with Alexandra  - Every Tuesday at 10 am via ZOOM. Free. "This is a great class for students who are new to yoga, or unable to participate in a regular yoga class due to injury or mobility limitations. Postures are adapted to sitting in a chair and also using the chair for balance and assistance in standing poses. Emphasis on de-stressing, breathing, and gentle movement to deepen flexibility, increase range of motion and healing mindfulness and relaxation. Open to all levels." Join the Zoom  Meeting HERE. Meeting ID: 851 5684 5376 / Passcode: 234196
• Virtual Vinyasa Yoga with Tracy - Free! "Create inner heat as you move with your breath through poses that will improve your balance, strength and flexibility, as well as open and expand your emotional body and heart. Open to all levels." Saturday mornings at 9:30. Join the Zoom Meeting HERE. Meeting ID: 848 3565 8570 Passcode: 377166
• Winter Recreation Guide - Information about how to learn to snowshoe for free,  as well as info on local trails and hiking, how to borrow a bike and other winter equipment (snow shoes, cross country skis) for free, free indoor walking and running this Winter!
• Free Zumba on Zoom in January - Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, a pair of local Zumba instructors have committed to holding 4 free Zumba sessions on Zoom a week during the month of January! Check the schedule out here for more details.
• South Shore Public Libraries Winter Programming - Chair yoga, Learn to hike, Garden Club and more. SSPL programming is largely in-person, and always free. Check out the SSPL winter program guide!

Do you know of any other free/low-cost programming and activities that support mental and physical well-being that are happening over the next few weeks that we missed? Please let us know at info@secondstory.ca.