Early Bird

Wellness Workshop Series

Are you in need of some relaxation and stress relief?

September 23, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many people physically and emotionally worldwide. Many of our usual options for stress relief, relaxation and socialization have been curtailed or have disappeared completely for health and economic reasons. Additionally, working remotely introduces challenges as many people rely on the camaraderie of co-workers as an essential part of their social connectedness. However, coping with stress in a healthy way will help us to better take care of ourselves and the people we care about.

This semester, Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Office of International Studies and Counseling Center are hosting a series of mental- and physical-wellness workshops to bring employees some much-needed relaxation and physical activity. This miniseries is designed to offer healthy perspectives and practices, both cognitive and physical, for getting Roadrunners successfully through the pandemic.

Please join us for the following sessions:

Managing Anxiety

Anxiety is often experienced as mental distress – including fear, apprehension or continuous worry – as well as physical symptoms including fatigue, heart palpitations, unusual sweating, digestive issues, insomnia and headaches. This session will focus on some common origins of anxiety and provide techniques for reducing discomforting feelings and taking control of your life.

Friday, noon-1 p.m.

Facilitator: Gail Bruce Sanford, Ph.D., executive director, MSU Denver Counseling Center

Outdoor Movement

Find a comfortable spot outside and join in an hour of light exercise. Campus Recreation staff will lead participants in stretching and juggling, using one, two or (best of all) three objects such as tennis balls, bean bags or Hacky Sacks. This fun exercise is open to all levels of juggling experience.

Oct. 16, noon-1 p.m.

Facilitators: Bryan Ferguson, associate director, Outdoor Pursuits and Leadership, and Chasity Gentry, ACE Fitness Certified

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is an ancient martial art that originated in China and is frequently practiced for health and wellness. It has been described as a moving meditation, with slow, flowing movements that enhance breathing, relaxation, mental focus and coordination. It is associated with improvements in mental health, stress reduction, improved balance, flexibility, muscle strength, lower blood pressure and increased energy. The session will include a brief overview of Tai Chi and some of its therapeutic benefits. Come prepared to engage in some demonstration techniques.

Oct. 23, noon-1 p.m.

Facilitator: Frank Kim, Ph.D., director, University of Colorado Denver Student and Community Counseling Center

Meditation

This session will focus on what meditation is and is not and will introduce the basic neuroscience of meditation followed by a relaxing guided experience. There will be a few exercises to promote self-awareness, and the session will end with a nonguided meditation, providing insight on how to begin a daily practice.

Nov. 13, noon-1 p.m.

Facilitator: Rob Ingle, Yoga, Meditation and Healing Breathworks teacher, TRU

There is no need to RSVP for sessions. Any event-related questions can be directed to Catherine Break at cbreak@msudenver.edu.