In celebration of World Mental Health Day, which falls on October 10, 2023, Cosmo ME has compiled a list of upcoming mental wellness workshops taking place across the UAE’s best cafés, gyms, museums – and even virtually.

From physical exercise and healing practices, to insightful conversations and multi-sensory art activities – these mental health workshops will benefit any and all seekers of mental wellness. Each of the diverse initiatives seeks to raise awareness and highlight the importance of mental health in the region at large.

Celebrate World Mental Health Day with these mental wellness activities in the UAE…

Bring your friend to CRANK, on the house

The UAE’s most loved boutique fitness studio is celebrating togetherness this World Mental Health Day. CRANK is inviting *one* loved one of each of their riding enthusiasts to an invigorating ride or shape session, in which all plus ones will participate for free (!!)

This initiative showcases CRANK’s authentic commitment to improving physical and mental health in the region. We absolutely cannot wait to treat our loved ones to a truly meaningful workout session at CRANK.

Date: October 10 (please check the Instagram post above for specific details)

Location: CRANK studios in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

For more information, please visit their website.

Reflect & Express at The Louvre Abu Dhabi

world mental health day

The Louvre Abu Dhabi prides itself on being a mindful museum, advocating the healing power of art and culture. To celebrate World Mental Health Day, the prestigious museum is hosting a variety of wellness activities.

Namely, the Reflect & Express guide and free-drop in workshops will explore topics including relationships, self-awareness, and relaxation – whilst inviting guests to participate in multisensory art-making activities.

The museum will additionally host peaceful yoga sessions and a 45-minute spinning class under the dome.

Date: October 9 and 10

For more information, please visit their website.

The Morning Society at Paus; DXB

world mental health day

Every Sunday morning, an ethereal realm of wellness awaits guests at Paus; Wellness Cafe’s “The Morning Society.” Thoughtfully curated and hosted by inspiring yoga instructor Yusur Dalloul, this monthly gathering invites all seekers of mental wellness to nourish their mind, body, and soul.

Start your morning *right* with Yusur’s weekly Fit Flow session, which incorporates an enchanting blend of yoga amidst the peaceful ambiance of Paus; DXB’s garden. The revitalizing session aims to restore balance as well as tone the body.

world mental health day

Following Fit Flow, participants will be invited into a cozy circle for a heartfelt and vulnerable discussion. Through her insightful journaling prompts, Yusur will guide guests through a journey of self-discovery and empowerment – encouraging them to explore the depths of their thoughts in unison.

To top it all off, a wholesome breakfast courtesy of Paus; Cafe will fuel guests for a fulfilling day ahead.

Price: Dhs250 per person

Date: Starting on November 19, 9am

For more information, please visit their website.

Pilates, HIIT & Run at lululemon

It’s the home of mindfulness, sweat, and community. This World Mental Health Day, lululemon’s ambassadors are hosting a series of rejuvenating Pilates, HIIT & Run events across the region – in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait.

The objective of their initiative is to promote movement and unity in the region’s mental wellness community. Ready to break a sweat for a good cause?

To book your tickets in Dubai, please click here. For more details, please visit lululemon on Instagram.

Chai Chats at Paus DXB

Via @pausdxb on Instagram

What are you struggling to let go of? Delving into topics such as control, limerence, and obsessive thinking, this Chai Chat event at Paus; DXB encourages individuals to finally release that person, fantasy, or even their past that they’ve been obsessively holding onto.

The recurrent conversational event spotlights Paus; DXB as a champion of mental wellness in the region.

Date: October 15, 8pm-9pm

Price: Dhs35 + VAT. Including drinks

For more information, please visit their Instagram.

Somatic and trauma healing with Zeena Ismail

Via @zeenanismail on Instagram

Mental wellness seekers across the globe have the opportunity to participate in an upcoming virtual event, guided by somatic and trauma healing practitioner Zeena Ismail. Supporting individuals in discovering their inherent power, Zeena stresses the importance of self-understanding, curiosity, and pleasure on the path to healing from past trauma.

As part of her virtual biweekly Come Alive sessions, Zeena is hosting a free online workshop titled “The Role of Pleasure in Trauma Healing” on October 16. “In the work of trauma and healing, pleasure is seen as the mountaintop destination instead of part of the journey,” shares Zeena regarding her upcoming mental wellness session. “When an embodied benchmark of what good feels is absent, when our nervous system capacity for joy and goodness is narrow, we make healing one of getting us good at finding what’s painful and tolerating it. Creating a baseline of discomfort that starts to feel like the safe space for the body if that’s all it knows how to feel.”

To sign up for a journey of self-discovery on October 16 via Zoom, click here.

Unwind at home with LUSH Bathe

In celebration of World Mental Health Day, LUSH is spotlighting their very own Lush application which was designed to “maximise the ultimate self care moments.”

In an exclusive collaboration with an inspiring range of wellbeing experts, practitioners, sound healers, and mentors, LUSH is offering a series of transformative and meditative experiences as part of the “Bathe feature” on the Lush app.

The psychological benefits of daily baths and showers, whether they be hot or cold, are undeniable. Not only can they decrease anxiety, depression, and stress – but they also increase energy levels and help fight insomnia. And did you know that warm showers relax muscles and reduce tension, while cold showers assist in hormone regulation, improve circulation, and facilitate the release of beta-endorphins, enhancing overall mood?

This splendid initiative educationally highlights the brand’s pro-mental wellness stance in the region.

To download the Lush application, available on IOS and Android, please click here.

Spa Therapy at Coya Spa Premium

Spa therapy, an age-old mental wellness practice, incorporates natural treatments which aim to relax and rejuvenate the body and mind.

One of those most popular spa therapies is Aromatherapy, utilising essential oils derived from flowers, herbs or plants to therapeutically, physically, and psychologically benefit individuals. Did you know that spa therapies can additionally boost the immune system and elevate self-esteem, among other holistic health benefits?

This World Mental Health Day, Coya Spa Premium is offering a diverse range of aromatherapy treatments within a peaceful ambience to soothe and rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.

Lead image courtesy of @pausdxb