GRCC In The News, 9-27-18

Tax proposals, races Kent and Ottawa voters will decide Nov. 6, 2018
9/26/18 MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The general election is Nov. 6. Kent and Ottawa county voters will weigh in on multiple tax proposals and candidates for local, state and federal office.
The local proposals run the gamut from bonds for school districts to roads and a new fire station. There are also multiple school board races and the Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees to select.

Fitness in the Workplace professional development workshop this Friday

Upcoming professional development class:

Friday, September 28: “Fitness in the Workplace”

Most Americans with desk jobs report not getting enough exercise. Additionally, prolonged sitting, especially at a computer, can cause strain on muscles and joints, particularly of the neck and back, and cause pain. Simple changes can be incorporated into your workday to help to you become more active, reduce stress, and feel good!

This seminar will discuss proper desk ergonomics, stretches, and light exercises you can do around your workplace; stress reduction strategies; and how to make easy behavior changes that can help you feel great throughout the day!

Please visit the Workshop Registration page to sign up for this session.

October Mind-Body Wellness Events from Counseling & Career Development

Counseling & Career Development’s Mind-Body Wellness Series continues this October with several more free events. All GRCC students, faculty, and staff are welcome. Staff can receive professional development credit for their participation. Questions? Email enisley@grcc.edu

October Classes:

Mindfulness Meditation

• Mondays in October, 12-12:30 p.m., Meditation and Prayer Room, Main Floor Library and Learning Commons

Did you know that regular practice of mindfulness meditation can reduce stress, improve attention and concentration, increase feelings of connectedness, and may strengthen the immune system and improve stress-related physical and mental health conditions? Want to check it out for yourself? Join us for any of our weekly mindfulness meditation sessions to learn how to meditate or build on any previous meditation experience you may have. GRCC counselor, Emily Nisley, will facilitate sessions using a variety of common mindfulness meditation exercises. Our practice will be secular; no particular religious or spiritual beliefs are required. Chairs and floor seating are available; you’re welcome to bring a mat, cushion, towel, and/or blanket for more comfortable floor seating if desired.

Tai Chi & Tea

• Tuesdays in October, 12-1 p.m., Student Center, Room 336

Originally developed in ancient China, tai chi is an exercise with benefits for the mind and body. Regular practice of tai chi’s slow, continuous movements with coordinated breathing and mental focus can decrease feelings of stress, improve mood, and increase strength, flexibility, and balance. The tai chi style we’ll practice was designed to be safe and gentle; it can even be done seated if needed. GRCC counselor, Emily Nisley, will lead the sessions, with about 45 minutes of tai chi, followed by time to enjoy a cup of tea together if you’d like. No experience necessary. Clothes you can move in and flat-soled shoes are recommended. Those with a health condition should consult their health care provider before beginning tai chi.

How to Feel Happier

• Wednesday, October 10, 1:30-2 p.m., Calkins Science Center, Room 201
• Thursday, October 25, 2-2:30 p.m., Cook Hall, Room 511

Some may think that happiness depends on life circumstances or on being born with a cheerful disposition, but decades of scientific research has shown that we can boost our own happiness. Using simple practices, we can increase our positive experiences and emotions, and even “rewire” our brains for greater happiness. In this 30-minute workshop, we’ll identify several of these happiness habits and share tips for practice. Light refreshments will be served.

 

All GRCC students, faculty, & staff are welcome at these FREE events. Questions? (616) 234-4130 enisley@grcc.edu grcc.edu/counseling. Those in need of accommodations, please contact DSS in advance at (616) 234-4140.