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
Three women are doing a yoga pose outdoors.

Self-care is important when managing crisis situations

Self-care is important when managing crisis situations. 

When working in a high stress environment, it can be easy to lose yourself and get burnt out over time.  It is important to prioritize self-care so that you can show up as your best self at work. 

Self-care activities help with your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.  Taking care of yourself helps build resilience and equips you to handle challenges more effectively.

Here are some ideas for practicing self-care:

  1. Get regular exercise and eat healthy. Stay hydrated. Proper nutrition and exercise go a long way in helping you to feel your best physically. 
  2. Make sleep a priority. Try to get as many hours as possible to be at peak performance, ideally 6-8 hours per night. 
  3. Try a relaxing activity. Yoga and meditation are some great ways to help your mind and body relax. 
  4. Practice gratitude. Find at least one thing each day to be grateful for. 
  5. Ask for support when needed. Call on your co-workers when necessary to help you get through the day. 

Workplace Violence Prevention Program

Contact the Workplace Violence Prevention Unit:

 

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Workplace Violence Prevention