Health Update: Reset 2026: going into our psyche: Wellness retreats and our psyche – What Experts Say

Many of us struggle with stress and strong emotions. With the rush of balancing work, family obligations, and studies, many of us find taking time to rest and reflect, a dream.  This is what Reset 2026 offers. 

“Many of us often have obligations upon us such as motherhood, so taking that ‘me time’ is really important,” Art therapist at Reset, Shimali Perera, said at a workshop.

Reset is an annual mental health and wellness workshop organised by Kalyana, an organisation focusing on mental health and growth. The workshop was held on 24 January at the Light of Asia Centre and was centred around the theme of Managing relationships and setting boundaries.

A welcoming space

As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by friendly faces who welcomed us with no judgement and made sure we were comfortable. The venue was filled with people of all different ages, nationalities, and backgrounds ensuring that the sessions were inclusive and open. 

“Coming here was such a blessing because I got to meet so many people, both in and out of Sri Lanka,” event attendee Tharushi Rupasighe, 27, said. “I will go back with so many stories and new friends.” 

Rupasinghe also said that the organisers and the volunteers were friendly and welcoming, making her feel supported. 

“In an environment where it is hard to make friends, I was pleasantly surprised to see so many people who were kind and reassuring,” she said. “It felt like a perfect place to come to reconnect and recharge.” 

Recharging 

Many of us have often wanted to express our emotions. Yet, a lot of us were never taught how to do so in a healthy and positive manner. In order to allow ourselves to do so, we attended the art therapy session conducted by Perera. 

“Art therapy is all about expressing ourselves and our emotions through art when words are not enough,” Perera said. 

Perera noted that many people in Sri Lanka and across the world have not been taught how to process their emotions in a healthy way, often leading to emotional suppression and burnout. She explained that art therapy allows individuals to safely explore feelings that may be difficult to verbalise, helping them better understand themselves and their emotional responses.

Participants were encouraged to create freely, without worrying about artistic ability or judgement. The session focused on the process rather than the final outcome, allowing attendees to reconnect with themselves in a calm and supportive environment.

“We want everyone to understand that this is a place of empathy and acceptance,” she said. 

Empathy and understanding

Another workshop that stood out was a session on empathy conducted by international empathy advocate and author Mimi Nicklin. The workshop focused on the importance of empathy in building healthy relationships and improving communication.

Nicklin spoke about how empathy goes beyond simply understanding another person’s feelings, and instead involves actively listening and being present.

“Empathy is about connection,” Nicklin said. “When we listen to understand rather than respond, we create space for trust and openness.”

Participants took part in interactive discussions that encouraged self-reflection and awareness of how empathy or the lack of it affects relationships in both personal and professional settings. Nicklin also highlighted how empathy can help individuals set healthier boundaries and navigate conflict more effectively.

She noted that in a fast-paced world where people are often distracted and emotionally overwhelmed, empathy is becoming increasingly important. In order to teach us the value of empathy, including the ability to have empathy for ourselves, the workshop included a journaling session where participants were encouraged to write a letter to themselves. 

“While we see a lot of terms such as self-awareness and self-confidence being discussed, we are yet to see discussions on self-empathy or understanding oneself in mainstream media,” Nicklin said. “This is why activities such as journaling and active listening are critical.” 

By the end of the workshop, many participants said they felt more equipped to communicate with others in a compassionate and mindful way.

“I realised that despite trying my best, there is always something I can notice and improve on,” Rupasinghe said. “So I’m really happy that I got to experience these sessions.” 

A satisfying end 

As the event came to a close, participants interacted with each other while sampling the delicious food and drink that the event had to offer. 

“As it is an annual event, I would definitely look forward to it and hope to come back next year,” Rupasinghe said. 

Overall, Reset 2026 provided a safe and welcoming space for individuals to pause, reflect and focus on their mental wellbeing. Through workshops centred on self-expression, empathy, and boundary-setting, the programme encouraged participants to prioritise their emotional health.

In a society where mental health is still often overlooked, initiatives such as Reset offer an important reminder that taking time for oneself is not a luxury but a necessity.