Did you know that direct person-to-person contact triggers parts of our nervous system that could help us be more resilient to stress factors in the long run? Social interaction, even just bumping fists or giving someone a high five is enough to release oxytocin, which sets of a chain reaction that lowers your stress. Who knew that a simple high five could do that? (more info on why this is important can be found here)
There is so much evidence out there to support the positives of social interaction and taking notice of and participating in the little things - from physical health to mental health, life longevity, to pain reduction. It's incredible! We are aware that the comfort level of social interaction varies for everyone but we are hopeful there will be something you may like to join in on.
So in honour of World Mental Health Day, we are extending it to a full week (October 10-16), and we are encouraging you to take part in one or more of these activities - or any other activity that brings interaction, and see how it makes you feel. We have partnered with a number of community and regional agencies and groups to provide this (thank you!), and each one has a special nod and info related to mental health and wellness.
For more information about how Devon FCSS can support you or a loved one, follow this link.
If you like Did You Know facts... check these out...
We challenge you to 15 minutes a day, for one week (October 10-16) to focus on mental health and wellbeing – something done with intention to make your (or someone else’s) day a little bit better. What that looks like is up to you. Make a phone call, do some breathing exercises, join in one of our many programs, meet someone for coffee, be kind, stop and smell the air on the trails. So many options! See how each little thing really can make a difference.
Date: October Mental Health Week, October 10-16, 2022.
For full details, ideas, and how to enter are available at devon.ca/120minutes
Send your email entry to Devon FCSS at FCSS@devon.ca by midnight, Monday, October 19.
Share Your Thanks on Thanksgiving Day
Not everyone will have someone to spend Thanksgiving with, and simple way to show you care is to reach out.
If you know of someone who might appreciate a phone call, visit, little gift or perhaps one of the Thanksgiving cards that you can make for free at the workshop on Thursday, October 6, 6:30pm at the Devon Library (register by Sep. 28 at devon.recdesk.com)
An Introduction to Trauma Informed Care
This introductory session will begin the conversation around the role that traumatic experiences can have in people’s everyday lives. Trauma is part of human experience, and many of us are still in the process of recovery from a sustained collective trauma. This session will touch on how looking at things through a trauma inform lens can help create a kinder, more generous community for everyone.
Please note, sensitive topics may be discussed.
Register by Oct. 4 at devon.recdesk.com
Fidget Making Workshop
Fidgets are a self-regulation tool to help with focus, attention, calming and active listening. They are useful in releasing restless energy. Join this workshop to have some fun making your own! Please note, photos may be taken for social media.
Virtues Pick Café
Join us for this special mental wellbeing Virtues Pick Café. Learn what Virtues are, what they may mean to you, how to recognize them in yourself and others and why they are important in becoming your best self and enhance your relationships.
Email FCSS@devon.ca to register
Seniors Connect - Charades
Gather for some friendly competition against each other. Snacks, laughs and refreshments offered! Prizes and bragging rights are on the line. Registration required.
Please note, photos may be taken for social media.
Register by Oct. 4 at e: CSOC@devon.ca or p: 780-987-8308
Pizza & Pool Guys Night
Guys, this one is just for you. Join us for pizza, darts and pool for a chill night out. Connect, hang out, relax. This is a special for mental health week awareness, so we will be having guest speakers from the RCMP, Fire, Legion and community to share their stories while you eat pizza.
All free, but you’re on your own for any drinks. Open to non-Legion members.
Family Bingo
Fun for all the family. Suitable for children of all ages. Please note, this is for families with younger children and youth, anyone registering will need to have at least one person under 17 in their group. Each registrant will get their own set of Bingo cards. Open to any Devon family or any family with a child registered at a Devon school. Small gift card prizes.
Indoor Mental Wellness Walk
Join us for the launch of the indoor walking season, and stop for a hot chocolate for a chat with a healthcare professional from Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network about why walking and socializing is so good for your mental health. Please note, photos may be taken for social media.
Drop-in
Devon Community Indoor Playground New Season Launch
Join us for this mental wellness focus special session. This one will be lead, in part, by our early childhood specialist, Miss Kathy. Spend quality time with other parents while your children play. We will also be including a short break to focus on taking positive time-out as a parent. This is open to anyone who has attended the indoor playground in 2021 or 2022. There will also be snacks and refreshments.
First Responders vs. Youth - Ball Hockey Game
Want to face-off in a friendly game of ball hockey? Bring your stick (we have spares if you don’t have one) and join in. Please note, this is an unsupervised game, play at own risk and photos may be taken for social media.
Mindfulness 101
Want to learn how to focus on the present? This 101 session will focus on the basics of mindful behaviour, provide some guided meditation, breathing techniques and a little bit of the science behind it and how to use it in everyday life.
Seniors Coffee Chat
Join in to connect with others for a friendly chat and hear updates about programing from the Town. Coffee and tea is on us! Don't forget, you can book the community bus to get there and back (free for this event only) 780-910-1960. Must be booked by noon, Tuesday, October 11.
Drop-In
Music Jam for Mental Health
In partnership with Pioneer 73 Club, join us for a special evening of their legendary music jam event. Bring your instrument to play along or simply come and enjoy the vibe… singing, dancing and music… snacks and refreshments too. Everyone welcome! Don't forget, you can book the community bus to get there and back (free for this event only) 780-910-1960. Must be booked by noon, Tuesday, October 11.
Any questions: call 780-987-8325
Fireside Indigenous Stories and Sharing
Storytelling and sharing circles have long been used by Indigenous Peoples to inform the next generation, keep traditions alive and provide a safe and caring space to receive knowledge, guidance and support, while offering an opportunity to share. Please note, photos may be taken for social media.
Register by Oct. 4 at mwincentaylo@devon.ca
ReTreat Yourself
Spend a day relaxing, learning, and enjoying a well-deserved mental health break! Full wellness day filled with a variety or topics and activities including meditation, art expression, Qigong, nutrition, fitness, intro to reiki, and sound healing. Registration includes lunch, snacks, and refreshments, as well as a take home goodie bag.
Register by Oct. 3 at devon.recdesk.com
Games Galore!
Gather your friends and families to enjoy an afternoon of drop-in games. Check out the huge variety of board games to play from old family favorites to new puzzles and cooperative games. All ages are welcome to attend, parental supervision may be required. Don't forget, you can book the community bus to get there and back (free for this event only) 780-910-1960. Must be booked by noon, Tuesday, October 11.
Registration Deadline: None