Guide is now available and showcases our programs and services for April through to June. We are featuring 72 di erent weekly programs, 35 monthly events and presentations along with other support services, there is sure to be something to spark your interest. What’s new and exciting this session? New at the Saanich Centre is Essentrics and Dynamic Discussions. While exciting additions at the Victoria Centre includes Qigong: Stepping Up and Celebrating Aging Through Art. Read all about these programs further in this newsletter. Also new and exciting, are great additions to our sta - Jessica and Louise! You can read more about their skills and their roles in this newsletter. Silver Threads Service has been serving the community for 67 years.
Our Saanich Centre is located at 286 Hampton Road, in the Tillicum Gorge neighbourhood and can be reached at 250 382-3151. Our Victoria Centre is located at 1911 Quadra Street, near the Police Station and can be reached at 250 388-4268.
SPRING 2024 PROGRAMS
New and Exciting!
ESSENTRICS SAANICH CENTRE
A full body fitness workout done from a standing position and occasionally floor based. The focus is on opening up connective tissue through flowing movements.
Date: Thursdays, April 11th to May 16th May 23rd to June 27th
Time: 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Cost: 6/$66 member, $90 nonmembers Leader: Junko Hammond (Level 4 Essentrics instructor)
DYNAMIC DISCUSSIONS SAANICH CENTRE
An educational, interactive, and social group led by an experienced facilitator. In this open-minded and welcoming environment, we will share and learn together as we discuss a wide variety of topics such as world events, travel, societal changes, creativity, healthy living, and wisdom.
Date: Every Friday Time: 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Cost: $2 members, $5 nonmembers Leader: Louise Thauvette
As we navigate the final weeks of winter, finding ways to recharge is essential to our wellbeing. This is especially true if cold grey days have you spending more time than usual on smart phones, computers and other screens.
In our fast-paced, hyperconnected world, digital devices have become integral to our daily lives. We rely on these devices for communication, work, and entertainment. However, amidst the convenience they o er, there is a growing awareness of the need to unplug and take a break from the constant stream of digital information. This “digital detox” is increasingly recognized as vital for maintaining optimal mental health.
QIGONG: STEPPING UP VICTORIA CENTRE
For returning participants who are looking to deepen their understanding. This walking Qigong class involves preparation, coordination, and rhythm, and can be practiced to strengthen the body, enhance resistance, and promote wellness.
Dates: Tuesdays, April 9th to May 14th May 21st to June 25th Time: 11:15am to 12:15pm
Cost: 6/$54 members, $78 non-members Leader: Frances Weick
CELEBRATING AGING THROUGH ART VICTORIA CENTRE
Expand your creativity with a variety of materials to stimulate your creative process. There are no rules. Sponsored by the BC Community Response Network and the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy.
Dates: Tuesday, May 21st
Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Cost: $2 members, $5 nonmembers Leader: Community Response Network Sta
The Spring 2024 Program Guide is available at our Centres and on our website: www.silverthreads.ca
BRAIN POWER CHALLENGE
If you are ready to amp up your cognitive function and take a proactive approach to your brain health, Silver Threads Service o ers programs that can support you in this health practice. Our Spring Programs start in April and include Memory PLUS, Brain Games and Dynamic Discussions. These programs are for those 55+ who would like to enhance their memory skills in an active and social group setting. Call 250 382-3151 or visit www.silverthreads.ca for more information.
The Challenge this month is to create 2,3,4,5 and 6 letter words from TVENIS
“BATHING SUITS ON, CELL PHONES OFF” This practice is at the heart of sauna culture. At RITUAL
One of the primary reasons for embracing a digital detox is the impact of constant connectivity on stress levels. The constant influx of notifications, emails, and social media updates can lead to information overload and heightened levels of stress. Taking a step back from digital devices allows individuals to create a mental space free from the pressure of instantaneous responses and the compulsion to stay constantly updated.
Moreover, excessive screen time has been linked to disruptions in sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens interferes with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Sleep plays a crucial role in mental health, a ecting mood, cognitive function, and emotional wellbeing. By unplugging before bedtime, individuals can promote better sleep hygiene, contributing to improved mental and emotional resilience.
So, how do we recharge? Scheduling a few hours each day that is completely digital free will allow you to mentally recharge, help prevent burnout, and even unleash creativity. Use this time to focus on you and recharge your system.
timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST T8 THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2024 Enhance your Health at Hydrate: 250 590 1482 | hydratewellness com 1103 For t Street | on the corner of Cook and For t Welcome to Fall! We have a cozy IV chair awaiting your arrival! Come relax , recharge, and rejuvenate as we suppor t your system with a customized naturopathic nutrient infusion. We offer complete naturopathic and IV care, medical aesthetics and a full naturopathic dispensar y to keep you looking and feeling your best! stay active * stay healthy * stay connected Visit www.silver threads.ca for more information Saanich Centre 286 Hampton Rd. 250 382-3151 Victoria Centre 1911 Quadra St. 250 388-4268 Silver Threads Ser vice Over 67 years of community ser vice to seniors! Offering great programs & two locations to ser ve you. N OR DIC CIR CUI T | P R I V A T E S A UN A S | M A S S A GE 101-989 JOHNS ON S T R EE T R I T U ALN OR DIC SP A .C OM Finnish Sauna T r adition in Downtown Victoria B OOK NO W SILVER THREADS SERVICE Silver Threads goes Online for Membership I t is March and we have much to be excited about! This month we are launching online registration as an option to sign up for our Annual Membership. For those of you who use technology and are comfortable you can renew and sign up for another year of great Silver Threads membership, in the comfort of your own home! Know that this is just one more way to register and sign up and we will continue to accept in person and by phone registration. This will not change! Another thing that will not change is our annual membership fees! We will remain at $55 again this year. I wish we could say that about all our other household expenses. Our Annual Membership starts April 1st, 2024 and is valid to March 31st, 2025. And you can get ahead of the game by signing up this month. Our Spring Program
Nordic Spa, we are a digital free space. We appreciate the rhythm of going through the circuit and being present in our minds and with our sauna mates. The comfort and relaxation of the warm sauna, paired with a few chilly dips in the cold plunge pool will help clear brain fog, foster healing and trigger your energy sources. Leave your phone in your locker and come sweat it out with us! Visit Ritual Nordic Spa, an urban sauna house in downtown Victoria. The Nordic Circuit features sauna, steam, cold plunge, Nordic bucket shower, salt lounge and outdoor patios. All you need is your swimsuit! Learn more at: RitualNordicSpa.com ANSWERS • Solution (6 letters) : invest • Solution (5 letters) : inset, neist, vents, vines and more. • Solution (4 letters) : nest, nets, sent, site, sine, ties and more • Solution (3 letters) : net, set, sit, vet, tin, nit and more • Solution (2 letters) : en, es, in, it, ti and more Unplug to Recharge ADVERTISING FEATURE
Spring Cleaning Beyond the Basics: Decluttering Your Mind and Space
walls. Take this opportunity to tackle all of those little tasks that go missed during your regular clean ups. It’s also a great time to clean o the windows to allow for better light to come in as the sun returns. Open up the doors and windows, burn some sage, and clean out the air in your space as well. I promise you will feel refreshed as much as your space will! It’s amazing how much we are emotionally, mentally, and spiritually impacted by our environment.
OUT WITH THE OLD
GIVE YOUR SPACE A DEEP
CLEAN Spring cleaning is an important
As your deep cleaning, this is a great time to Marie- Kondo your space as well. Have a sort through your clothes and possessions and toss anything that is broken or worn out. Take inventory of what you LOVE or is useful, and what would be better served donated to someone in need. This gives you a chance to organise what you keep in a more streamline, convenient, or aesthetically pleasing way as well.
DO A DIGITAL DECLUTTER
Take the time to go through your devices, or your cloud storage and clean up anything that is old or no longer necessary. Those 112 tabs open on your iphone? Yeah those are drawing on your mental energy as well! Shut down, reset, purge, and clarify what’s important to you. Bonus is you’ll open up plenty of storage to capture the memories in the seasons to come!
TAKE A LIFE INVENTORY
This is a prime time to take stock of what is working, and what isn’t, within your life. Examine your habits, your routines, your hobbies, work, relationships, commitments, etc. and feel into what is bringing you fullness, authenticity, and expansion. It might be the time to let go or create a change within areas that are not working well, and the burst of new Spring energy is the perfect time to do so. Simplify wherever you can. Practice forgiveness and
we know. What have you always wanted to do but never seem to have time for? Where can you make that a priority?
CLEAN UP YOUR HEALTH MAINTENANCE
How are your eating habits? Your exercise routines? How are you sleeping? Are you well hydrated? Are your supplements supporting you? It’s a great time to have a check in with yourself and/or with your healthcare provider to see how things are going and what might need to be adjusted. Spring is likely to give you that heightened energy to supercharge your commitment, your capacity, as well as the desire to incorporate more fresh foods into your diet. Take advantage of this momentum!
CONNECT WITH THE NATURAL CYCLES
Getting outside and connecting
just get out of sync. Spend time outside, put your feet on the earth, watch the sunrise or the sunset, notice the new buds growing, touch the ocean. Try to spend a few minutes each day connecting with nature. Research shows that this has a profound impact on mental health and stress levels.
AN INTENTIONAL SPRING
EQUINOX RITUAL
March 19th is the Spring Equinox, and as it marks the beginning of this season, it can be a great time to spend creating a little ‘New Year’ ritual for yourself.
Some ideas could be:
• Planting seeds to prepare for the fall harvest
• Having a celebration feast to commemorate the new cycle beginning
• Noting everything that you are grateful for from the past cycle
• Setting goals and intentions for this cycle to bloom through
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Happy Spring!
