ASAP

Make Your Meetings More Active

  • Include items on your meeting agenda that require participants to get out of their seats (breakout groups, stand and write ideas on an easel).
  • Choose movement friendly meeting locations (walkable neighborhoods, on-site gym, nearby park).
  • Hire a professional instructor (pilates, yoga, tai chi, stretching, Zumba) to lead a class before or during the meeting.
  • Point out the stairs and encourage attendees to use them. Consider including the location of stairs in meeting directions or putting arrows to the stairs in front of elevators.
  • Organize a group walk early in the morning, during a break or before/after dinner.
  • Consider incorporating standing ovations after each speaker to encourage participants to stand and stretch.

Standing Breaks

  • At least once an hour, participants should be encouraged to stand up to improve blood circulation, boost metabolism, and relieve physical discomfort from sitting for prolonged periods of time.
  • Announce that it is fine to stand up and move around, as needed. If possible, provide raised tables for those electing to stand during the meeting.

Stretch Breaks

  • Stretch breaks help participants wake up their bodies and minds.
  • Encourage people to stand up and stretch in place.
  • Try playing a Healthy UC Davis WakeBreak video! These instructor-led stretch videos range from 4 to 15 minutes. 

Breathing Exercise

  • Focused breathing is an energizing activity that can help relax and clear your mind. Simply inhale for four seconds, hold it for seven seconds, and exhale for eight seconds.

Suggested Activity Agendas

LENGTH OF MEETINGSTANDING BREAKSTRETCH BREAKSBREATHING BREAKSMOVEMENT BREAKSWALKING BREAKS
50 - 60 minx x  
2 - 4 hoursxxxx 
All Dayxxxxx
An older woman and younger woman sit outside and smile at each other while holding hands.

November is National Family Caregivers Month

This November, let’s pause to acknowledge the millions of family members and friends who provide care to loved ones living with disabilities, chronic conditions, or age-related decline.
A yellow sun is held by two abstract blue hands. Text above the sun reads "Suicide Touches Every Community" and text within the sun reads "But So Can Hope."

Did you know that September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness month?

  • by Dale Brown, LCSW of the Academic and Staff Assistance Program
Suicide affects millions of people each year, yet too many struggle in silence. 

This month is dedicated to recognizing the warning signs for suicide, encouraging open conversations about mental health, and connecting people to support. 

Please join me in sharing a message of strength, dignity, hope, and connection — together, we can make a difference and save lives.

 

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