Stress and anxiety have many faces. Although some of it can be good for you and provide you with that much needed push to accomplish something, if left untreated, it can have serious implications on your health. Young people are facing stress at increasing rates these days and it is causing many to feel anxious, worried, and as if they are losing their sense of control. It could be from school pressure, mental health, broken/blended families, social media – the list could go on. As a Youth Worker, I am working with youth on a regular basis who fit this bill. Because of this, a colleague and I have decided to run programs for girls ages 11-14 who are stressed out, or even so full of anxiety they aren’t sure where to turn.
Through-out the 3 hr workshop, the girls will gain a deeper awareness of stress and anxiety and how it impacts their bodies. They will also practice mindfulness, breath work, and gratitude. They will be guided through a yoga practice, focusing on postures that help calm the nervous system and aid in reducing stress. Each participant will leave the workshop with a resource book full of practical tools and self-care strategies.
If you know a girl between the ages of 11-14 who could benefit from stress reduction, we would love to help. It is our intention that the girls will leave feeling empowered and confident in their ability to help themselves. When we can peel back the layers, we find that everything we need is already within us, hiding deep down, waiting to be seen. Yoga has a funny way of bringing this awareness up to the surface and helping us begin some healing – and in the mean time, it helps to calm our bodies and minds, and allows us to just be.
*Spots are being held for those in financial need. It is on a first come first serve basis. Please email oliviayoga@outlook.com for more information.
Olivia Rowe-Ovens is a Child and Youth Worker, as well as a registered Yoga Teacher. Olivia has been trained in Street Yoga, as well as Veterans Yoga Project, both focusing on trauma informed yoga teachings. Olivia has also been working with the ALCDSB for the last 10 years, with the last 6 being employed as Youth Worker. This role has allowed her to work directly with children who are experiencing many forms of stress, anxiety, and various forms of trauma.
Olivia is a mother to two boys, and resides in Kingston, ON with her children, husband, and dog.