Creative Wellbeing
Self-care for Artists and Healthcare Professionals
Part 1
During the Covid-19 pandemic, this movement and self-care series was created to support healthcare professionals. While our healthcare workers spend so much time caring for others, this programme provides an opportunity to care for themselves.
Part 1 presents a short and gentle online movement class for long covid, CFS and anyone with a debilitating condition or any kind of disability. Soothing the nervous system and relaxing the body though slow guided movements done lying or sitting. This movement class can be done in a quiet space at work, at home, on the floor, or even in bed.
with Tara Brandel
Gentle Movement for Relaxation
‘Based on release technique which is part of my training as a contemporary dancer, I have found this way of moving very beneficial in my own healing.’ – Tara Brandel
Part 2
Beginning with an introduction to Creative Wellbeing for Healthcare Workers, Part 2 takes a step-by-step guided approach to exploring movements that release tension from hips and shoulders, soothe anxiety to restore ease and renew your energy. No dance or artistic experience of any kind is needed to enjoy these workshops. All you need is access to the internet, a space of your own, and curiosity.
with Laura Sarah Dowdell
An Introduction
Each workshop introduces a new self-care skill for the initial 10 minutes of the session followed by a somatic movement journey.
Creative Wellbeing
Session 1
Movement – Tension Release for Hips and Shoulders
Self-Care Skill – Restore Calm with a Breathing Technique
Creative Wellbeing
Session 2
Movement – Creating Ease through the Spine
Self-Care Skill – Soothing Anxiety through Sound
Creative Wellbeing
Session 3
Movement – Finding Lightness in Standing
Self-Care Skill – Refresh and Renew the Eyes and your Energy
Part 3
Artist resource bank and mental wellbeing supports.
Artist Peer sessions and documentation from Dialogue Arts + Health
Arts & Health national resource
The Space: Digital tools for artists
Live streaming for the arts: lo-fi and low cost options
A Toolkit for Arts & Creativity in Care Settings
Guidelines for working with older people in the arts
Arts and Creative Charter for Older People
Minding Creative Minds – 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme for the Irish Music & Creative Community
Bereavement Support Line – Irish Hospice Foundation
About the Artists
Part 1 is led by Tara Brandel, an award-winning choreographer, director, contemporary dancer, and aerialist originally from West Cork. Tara is also Artistic Director of Croí Glan Integrated Dance.
Part 2 is presented by dance artist Laura Sarah Dowdall, based in Dublin. Laura describes her dance practice as playful space where she merges the worlds of dance, somatic movement, and creative wellbeing . She enjoys creating experiential dance work that is immersive and permeable to audience interaction.