Spotlight on Our Relaxation Workshops

The Groupe des aidants du Sud-Ouest (GASO) offers group Relaxation workshops twice a month, specially designed for caregivers. Discover this world of relaxation in this article, based on an exclusive interview with Annie Cusson, our facilitator for these wellness workshops.

What is relaxation?

Relaxation is a state cultivated through different techniques aimed at relaxing the body and calming the mind. The workshop offers a moment to slow down, refocus, and take care of oneself in a setting imbued with kindness.

How is a workshop structured?

Each session revolves around a theme, with a structure that combines breathing and gentle movements (chair yoga, qi gong, etc.). We conclude the meetings with a deep relaxation which can take the form of creative visualization or guided imagery.

What are the benefits?

Participants appreciate the accessibility of the techniques offered, as they can reproduce them at home to regain a sense of calm. The variety of exercises from one session to another stimulates interest and motivation. Participants enjoy using physical techniques to achieve mental calm. Finally, simply gathering in a group to practice in a nurturing environment provides a source of comfort.

And what about creativity?

Creativity is experienced in the exploration space I open at each meeting: trying movements, letting images emerge during visualization, adapting the proposals according to what feels good. The caregiver needs no particular talent, just the willingness to take care of oneself and to experiment. I rely on the ABC that supports the workshop: Acceptance, Kindness, Curiosity. Thus, the environment is safe yet flexible, allowing new discoveries from one session to the next.