"It was incredible to have a yoga practice that was so centered around mental wellbeing" Mariel, Head of Partnerships at gal-dem, shares the benefits of having Mindwalk Yoga sessions for employees.
gal-dem - The un-rest Issue, 2019
Mindwalk Yoga has been providing gal-dem with yoga for mental wellness sessions since April 2020 during the height of the lockdown in the UK. Mariel, Head of Partnerships, shares her story on how they have benefitted the gal-dem employees.
These are Mariel’s words: Through the pandemic finding time to reconnect as a team and create space for mental and physical wellbeing has been difficult. Zakiya's work through Mindwalk Yoga allowed us a common language and practice with which to let go of the day's stresses and come together as a team from our separate homes and focus on our wellbeing. During a particularly stressful period, it was incredible to have a yoga practice that was so centered around mental wellbeing as well as physical therapy available to the full team from the safety of their own homes.
At gal-dem we are trying to make mental wellness a real priority for our employees, and while we are still learning how best to support a young and growing team through remote working, the sessions with Zakiya allowed us to offer support for mental wellbeing through physical practice that the team could learn and practice in one session and take away for later use.
The inclusive nature of the workshop meant the team was given coping mechanisms and therapeutic exercises to use, no matter their skill level, and the physical movement and actions could be clearly linked to mental support and wellbeing.
Often in a work environment, it's difficult to find the boundaries within which group mental health support is useful or feasible. Having a physical practice that is beneficial regardless is a brilliant way to equip teams with tools they can use to support their wellbeing day in day out, in a way that feels accessible and safe for employees in a workplace environment.
Zakiya's method of teaching, even via zoom, is really tangible and understandable. She allows time and explanation for poses that mean you don't need any experience to follow along well. The mixture of breathwork and flow means there's something in it for everyone, and the classes are simple but thorough enough that you leave with an understanding of how to use them in your day to day life after.
