By Forum Staff
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) last week hosted an interactive stress-relief workshop in Richmond Hill.
The symposium featured experts from Northwell Health Long Island Jewish Forest Hills and was held as a separate public event as part of the Richmond Hill Block Association’s monthly meeting.
The one-hour session featured presenters Dr. Tonya M. Lawrence, director of Clinical Professional Development at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills, and Jason Schaefer, senior employee assistance program advisor at Northwell Employee & Family Assistance Program. The bulk of the presentation was given by Schaefer who covered topics like progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, meditation, yoga, the importance of smiling and laughter, and explanations of the importance of managing stress and how to rate one’s condition on the stress continuum, a color-coded chart displaying the varying levels of stress from “ready” to “ill.”
Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo
Jason Schaefer details the stress continuum chart.
Attendees participated in stress-relieving exercises while listening to relaxing music. They watched short video clips that demonstrated some of the relaxation terms that were covered. The hosts also handed out free items such as loofas, note pads with inspirational words, a stress ball, a piece of candy and/or small snack and a reuseable tote bag with a flyer detailing information on how to follow up with Northwell Health for more information, help and resources.
“My hope is that as we focus on peace and relaxation, we will create a solid foundation which supports the development of positive growth and harmony,” Addabbo said.
