#wellfest

Last week was Wellfest, a week that focuses on mental health awareness. I was given the opportunity to write a bit about my experience with mental health and give some advice that has helped me over the years. I urge everyone, especially students, to take a look at the article and try some of the tips I’ve listed. Thank you to the SU for giving me the opportunity to discuss something so important. 

Hidden in a quiet corner of Dublin, Wellfest took over Herbert park on September 19. A far cry from the mud soak, alcohol fueled wellie fest which one would usually relate to a festival, punters descended on Wellfest with runners, workout gear and yoga mats in hand.

Reflecting back on Wellfest, it offered so much more than a day of workouts and talks. What is was, was a breath of fresh air, a community of people who wanted to wish eachother well.

From food vendors offering healthy alternatives, to fitness experts demonstrating their preferred exercises, to talks on endurance, healthy eating and keeping your mind fit, Wellfest had it all.

As someone who loves fitness, but has found herself in a slump for some time, it was an amazing boost and for want of a better word ‘kick up the arse’; it was inspiring.

Apart from one meditation class, I refrained from taking part in any of the fitness classes; honestly I wasn’t prepared for how many there would be. I did however delight in the healthy food samples, finding out about all the variety of health food options available across the city.

Speaking of health food, catching the Happy Pear giving a cookery demonstration was refreshing; their energy pure infectious. Their love for good clean food was evident, and the demonstration was both informative and extremely fun.

As a big activist for mental health awareness, I looked forward to Bressie’s talk. Having seen him at Electric Picnic last year, I was aware of how powerful his words were and again, refreshing to hear somebody of his stature speaking about mental health so openly and honestly; queue the tears.

The goodie bag also has to be mentioned; full of delicious healthy treats, it alone made going worthwhile, the festival itself being a massive bonus.

For its first year, Wellfest went above and beyond anything I expected. As a major festival goer, I am delighted that this is on the calendar at the end of the music festival season offering a kick-start to detox in a fun, friendly environment. I’m looking forward to next year already and to Wellfest being a very important part of the year- health too often gets overlooked.

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Ireland's first @WellFestIrl #healthandfitness #festival #Wellfest2015

Ireland’s first ever health and fitness festival

Dublin, get ready for your mind to be completely opened to an entire world of health and fitness. Tomorrow, September 19, Herbert Park will be home to Wellfest; Ireland’s first ever health and fitness festival.

With festival season well and truly behind us, many may be suffering “festival fever” as a result of heavy partying all summer long.…