Introduction

  • Objective: This report documents the stress management and relaxation techniques activity conducted by Real Health Uganda (RHU) in March 2024. The focus was on teaching participants how to manage stress through mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises.
  • Scope: The report covers the structure of the activity, the engagement of participants, and the outcomes of the session.

1. Structure of the Activity

  • Location and Participants: The activity was held at Kawanda secondary school play ground, with over 47 participants from various community groups, including youth, working adults, and the elderly.
  • Agenda:
    • Introduction to Stress and Its Impact: A brief session on understanding stress, its causes, and its effects on physical and mental health.
    • Mindfulness and Meditation: A practical session led by a trained mindfulness coach, where participants learned the basics of mindfulness and meditation.
    • Breathing Exercises: Demonstrations of various breathing techniques to help participants manage stress in real-time situations.
    • Guided Relaxation: The session concluded with a guided relaxation exercise, allowing participants to experience the immediate benefits of these techniques.

2. Community Engagement

  • Interactive Elements:
    • Q&A Sessions: Participants were encouraged to ask questions and share their experiences with stress, which led to an interactive and engaging session.
    • Group Activities: Small group activities were conducted to practice mindfulness and meditation techniques, fostering a sense of community and support.
  • Feedback Collection:
    • Post-Session Surveys: Surveys were distributed to gather feedback on the effectiveness of the session and the relevance of the techniques taught.
    • Participant Testimonials: Many participants shared positive testimonials, noting immediate stress relief and a better understanding of how to manage stress in their daily lives.

3. Impact Assessment

  • Participant Feedback:
    • Overall Satisfaction: The majority of participants rated the session as highly satisfactory, particularly appreciating the practical demonstrations and interactive elements.
    • Behavioral Intentions: Many participants expressed an intention to incorporate the learned techniques into their daily routines to better manage stress.
  • Challenges Noted:
    • Time Constraints: Some participants mentioned the need for longer sessions to delve deeper into each technique.
    • Follow-Up Support: A few participants requested follow-up sessions or resources for continued learning and practice.

4. Recommendations for Future Activities

  • Extended Sessions: Consider offering longer sessions or a series of workshops to provide more comprehensive training in stress management techniques.
  • Follow-Up Programs: Develop follow-up programs or online resources to support participants in maintaining their stress management practices.
  • Broader Reach: Expand the reach of these activities to include more community groups, such as schools and workplaces, to promote stress management across different demographics.

Conclusion

  • Summary: The March 2024 stress management activity was successful in engaging participants and providing them with practical tools to manage stress. The positive feedback and expressed interest in follow-up support indicate the need for ongoing stress management programs.
  • Next Steps: RHU plans to incorporate the feedback received into future sessions and explore opportunities to expand the reach of these valuable stress management techniques.