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Workplace Relaxation Toolkit: Chair Yoga, Breathing and Nervous System Regulation Practices

Stress is neither inherently good nor bad; yet stress can create physical, mental, and/or emotional tension. Stress is how our body responds to pressures, responsibilities, and threats (regardless of if they are real or imagined). The workplace is filled with potential stressors—interactions with colleagues, responsibilities and deadlines.ÌýThis workshop is intended to provide practical tools to help mitigate stress. Participants can expect a combination of lecture and discussion about nervous system regulation and its relevance to the workplace.

Additionally, participants will experience a guided, gentle chair yoga session, including breathing techniques and mindfulness practices — all of which can be done conveniently at your current remote working location/home and eventually back at our work places. Please wear comfortable clothes to assure flexibility and movement.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

• Understand how stress affects their minds and bodies
• Identify potential stressors at work
• Utilize breathing and movement practices to help promote relaxation and reduce stress responses at work
• Apply self-regulation tools in the workplace

Ìý​Who should attend

This workshop is intended for any ²ÊÃñ±¦µä faculty or staff member who wants to learn more about how to build a relaxation toolkit for the workplace.

°ä´Ç²õ³Ù:ÌýThere is not cost to attend.Ìý

Meet the Facilitator:ÌýMeredith Lopez, MA, LPC​

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The Power of Laughter

Laughter helps to reduce stress by providing a boost to the immune system and enhancing brain chemistry through the release of serotonin and endorphins. Creating more self-induced boosts of serotonin can help enhance one’s ability to tolerate stress. Participants will learn how humor can be an effective means of dealing with overwhelming emotions and learn how to incorporate more humor into our lives.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

• Describe how humor affects mood and the immune system
• Identify the body’s chemical reaction to laughter
• Utilize humor to support the body’s stress response to everyday issues

Who should attend

This workshop is intended for any ²ÊÃñ±¦µä faculty or staff member who wants to learn more about how humor can help with mood, physiology and mental functioning.

°ä´Ç²õ³Ù:ÌýThere is not cost to attend.Ìý

Meet the Facilitator:ÌýMeredith Lopez, MA, LPC​

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The Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) is dedicated to serving the emotional and psychological needs of the campus community. All FSAP staff are trained as generalist counselors and are equipped to deal with a wide range of personal and work related issues.