Image description: Four images, two at top and two below. Left to right top: Jessica presenting in front of screen with words "What stress can do to our bodies: what do you feel in your body when you are stressed? what happens in your body?" and a group of people on yoga mats or towels, relaxing. Left to right bottom: two people on yoga mats, and a stall with beauty products on a table and three people seated behind the table, smiling.

De-Stress and Stay Healthy: Tips from ‘On the Couch’

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Thank you to everyone who joined us for our “On the Couch” event in October, where we explored the important topic of stress management. Adults with intellectual disabilities gathered at City West Lotteries House in West Perth to talk about stress and discover ways to manage it.

Co-presented by Jessica Toster, an Office Assistant at DDWA for over 10 years with a passion for public speaking, the event was a great success. Participants learned about stress – what it is, what causes it, and, most importantly, how to deal with it.

Highlights from the Event:

  • What is Stress?: We discussed what stress is and how it affects our bodies and minds.
  • Common Causes of Stress: From everyday worries to big life changes, we covered many common stress triggers.
  • Tools for Managing Stress: Jessica introduced practical tools and techniques for managing stress, including breathing exercises and relaxation practices.
  • Self-Care Tips: We also shared helpful self-care tips for looking after our mental health, encouraging everyone to take time for themselves.

Another highlight of the event was the guided mindfulness and relaxation exercise, where participants were invited to bring their towels or yoga mats to take part. It was a peaceful, calming experience, with many people appreciating the chance to practice relaxation techniques.

One attendee even shared, “This presentation has really helped me to de-stress! I loved the guided meditation.”

Supporting Local Business:

In addition to the wellness discussion, we were happy to support local business Sham’s Beauty Products, which had a stall at the event. Sham, a woman with disabilities, produces handmade soaps, moisturisers, and other body products. She also offered relaxing hand massages using her products, which added a fun and soothing touch to our event. If you’d like to learn more about Sham’s Beauty Products, you can visit her website or Facebook page: 

Ongoing “On the Couch” Events:

Our “On the Couch” events are held regularly, offering adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to come together in a supportive environment to discuss various topics. If you’re a DDWA individual member (it’s free to join), you’ll receive invites and monthly newsletters about upcoming events. For more information or to join, email Theresa McDonnell at Theresa.McDonnell@ddwa.org.au, or visit our website under “Our projects” – https://ddwa.org.au/our-projects/on-the-couch-group.

Who is invited? 

Our “On the Couch” events are open to adults over 18 with an intellectual disability. First-timers are always welcome!

Image description: Four images, two at top and two below. Left to right top: Jessica presenting in front of screen with words "What stress can do to our bodies: what do you feel in your body when you are stressed? what happens in your body?" and a group of people on yoga mats or towels, relaxing. Left to right bottom: two people on yoga mats, and a stall with beauty products on a table and three people seated behind the table, smiling.
Image description: Four images, two at top and two below. Left to right top: Jessica presenting in front of screen with words “What stress can do to our bodies: what do you feel in your body when you are stressed? what happens in your body?” and a group of people on yoga mats or towels, relaxing. Left to right bottom: two people on yoga mats, and a stall with beauty products on a table and three people seated behind the table, smiling.

Related News:
Don’t Forget Your Yearly Health Check!

Did you know that people with intellectual disability are twice as likely to end up in the hospital if they miss their yearly health check? Regular visits to your GP can help catch health issues early and improve your overall wellbeing.

Inclusion Australia’s “It’s Doctor Time!” campaign encourages people with intellectual disability to schedule an annual health check. Pick a time that works for you – like your birthday – and set a reminder to go every year.

To learn more about this campaign and watch helpful videos, visit related news:

“It’s Doctor Time! PwID: book your yearly health check”

https://ddwa.org.au/its-doctor-time-pwid-book-your-yearly-health-check/