Daily Egyptian Reporter 12

Headaches, a lack of motivation and muscle aches prompted a stressed-out Rio McWilliams to attend the Body-Mind Connection Workshop Thursday.

The workshop was sponsored by the Wellness Center.

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McWilliams, a junior in health care management from Chicago, attends such events for guidance direction.

I feel pensive a lot, McWilliams said. Generally concerning what direction I’m going in, I get confused on what direction to follow, which is going to benefit me in the long run. So, I attend things like this for advice.

The Wellness Center is sponsoring a free two-series workshop for SIUC students suffering from anxiety, sleep deprivation and relaxation problems. The first part on stress assessment began Sept. 11, and meets every Thursday until this week. Other topics in part one included time management, self-esteem and self-talk and healthy relationships.

The second part of the program will begin Oct. 23 with a reiteration of the previous series and ends Dec. 11.

Barb Fijolek, a counselor and coordinator for the Wellness Center, said the main purpose of the series is to inform people of ways to manage stress.

There were six people at Thursday’s discussion, but attendance can vary depending on the location of the workshop. Fijolek said the attendance can number from three to five people in a small group to about 100 people in lecture halls.

Fijolek discussed the physical and emotional aspects of stress at the workshop. The mental symptoms of stress are depression, irritability, lack of motivation, negativity and unexplained urges to cry.

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How we feel mentally and physically is connected, Fijolek said. Researchers are presently trying to find that connection.

Fijolek said the mind and body are connected about how a person feels as a whole.

If you feel that you are looking good physically, then mentally you can feel good, she said.

Some ways for people to deal with stress are talking to a supportive friend, taking several deep breaths, working out, meditating, praying or confronting the situation.

Paying attention to what is going on in both the mind and body are all interventions of stress and can make a big difference in your life, Fijolek said.

McWilliams said that because he has a hectic schedule, the workshops help to give his life balance.

I work 27 hours a week, I’m taking 13 hours this semester and I volunteer in a hospital, he said. If there is something free like this that will help me, I will attend.

For more information about the workshops, call 536-4411.