In celebration of Mental Health Month, a group of media folk swapped screens for stretch mats, taking part in a puppy yoga session that was equal parts heartwarming and hilarious.
Designed to remind everyone to slow down and breathe (preferably with a furry friend nearby), the event, held at Yoga Loft Sydney, blended mindfulness, movement, plenty of puppy cuddles, and just a few nervous wees (the puppies, we mean).
“It’s Mental Health Month, and I think we’ve all realised how incredibly important mental wellness is, alongside physical health,” said Body+Soul editor-in-chief Jacqui Mooney.
“So we thought, what better way to take a moment in this crazy, busy media world we work in than to actually practise what we preach, step away from our computers and release some oxytocin with some puppies.”
Taking a breath, not a backseat
For Mooney, the message is simple: you don’t need a full digital detox to care for your mind.
“One of the biggest problems today is that nobody takes a minute to just breathe, to actually stop. We feel guilty when we do,” she said.
“But self-care is key, and in our Health of the Nation report we found that anxiety and stress are the number one health concerns for Australians, and, of course, for the media industry too.”
Her advice? Start small. “Even if it’s only five minutes, it helps. If you can’t take 30 minutes or an hour, take five deep breaths at your desk. Every little thing helps. Even those five breaths can help reset your nervous system.”
Puppy love (and a little perspective)
So (apart from the obvious) why choose puppy yoga to drive home the ‘can’t pour from an empty cup’ message?
For Mooney, the combination of the two was not only a natural fit, it also aligned perfectly with the zeitgeist surrounding mental health.
“It’s something that’s been trending, and we always like to have our finger on the pulse,” Mooney said. “Yoga is wonderful for mind, body and breath, it’s almost a moving meditation, and pairing that with pets, who are proven to make you happier and healthier, is the perfect combination.”
As for the team behind the event, Mooney was quick to credit the community spirit: “As a team we love escaping the office to build relationships and connect. Relationships are so important in every part of life, both personal and professional – connection truly matters.”