Yoga is not just about working out, it’s about a healthy lifestyle. The practice of yoga allows clients to find stillness in a world consumed with chaos. Finding Ones Balance. Peace and tranquility achieved through focused training appeals to everyone.

Certified Calm, one of the nation’s leading providers of health and wellness gear, and a long time champion of community wellness endeavors, through the initiative of Ms. Darcy Ong, Managing Director and Ms. Monique Sian, Assistant Marketing Manager, conducted a yoga class for thirty manageable residents of the Sanctuary Center on May 21, 2019. The activity aims to promote yoga as a holistic approach in improving overall wellness of heart, mind and body. The event was in part with their advocacy to strengthened the advocacy of women empowerment of the women of Sanctuary Center diagnosed with mental health condition.

Ms. Isabel Naval, Yoga Instructor introduced the yoga to the residents. Ms. Naval emphasized that yoga includes breathing exercises which intend to support relaxation, meditation which reduce stress. Ms. Sian added that practicing yoga is said to provide many health benefits both physical and mental. It has a significant effect on lowering the level of stress, anxiety and depression which are common symptoms of most of the residents of the Center. Sense of peace can be found while doing the activity in the form of relaxation and meditation. It was also found out that if improves quality of sleep. Yoga can also enhance body movement by increasing their flexibility and balance.

After the yoga session, residents seem calm and relaxed. Parlor games, meals and gift packs were given to all participants at the end of the activity.

Sanctuary Center is a half-way home for female, 18 years old and above who are improving from psychosis and other mental illness, managed by DSWD – NCR. It has a 100 bed capacity and is located in Welfareville Compound, Acacia Lane Mandaluyong City.###