Conference Presentation, Panel
Mind and Body: Workplace Wellness
- Attendees are expected to reenergize for the remainder of their day and apply movement exercises to office environments and meetings immediately.
- Shifting behaviors to become "own champions and pioneers" is predicted to alter current physical activity trends, with cumulative effects starting from five to ten minutes of daily movement.
- The National Physical Activity Plan for 2018 is expected to be released next month.
- Inactivity is predicted to be worse than diabetes, smoking, and heart disease based on recent Cleveland Clinic data.
- Standing 30 minutes more than current habits is predicted to result in an average annual weight loss of five pounds without other changes.
- Investing time in health through daily movement is expected to compound over time, specifically paying off for students in their 50s or 60s via a "health 401K" concept.
- Implementing standing desks or makeshift shelves is predicted to initiate behavior change and prioritize movement.
- Scheduling workouts and using digital reminders from devices like Apple Watch or Fitbits are expected to serve as cues to initiate movement.
- The total volume of people practicing meditation has increased over the last four years, with societal acceptance rising over the last five to six years.
- Recent studies from the last five to six years predict physical brain changes, including prefrontal cortex growth and amygdala shrinkage.
- A clinical study published three weeks ago is expected to show that 12 minutes of daily practice over eight weeks reduces anxiety, increases attention, and improves mood.
- Daily 12-minute meditation sessions are expected to be fit into mornings, lunch, commutes, or before bed to enhance relaxation, focus, and performance.
- Meditation is predicted to enable individuals to respond more thoughtfully in various environments through improved mindful listening and emotional awareness.
- The brain is predicted to naturally wander during practice, requiring the user to notice the drift and gently return to the breath.
- Every meditation session is expected to vary in experience, ranging from feeling great to feeling challenging or deflated.
- A 10-minute session is expected to allow participants to set intentions, scan their bodies, follow their breath, and return to the present moment.
- Presenting body composition data from DEXAs is predicted to secure buy-in from university security executives for a new fitness curriculum.
- Sharing data on 51% reduced absenteeism, 69 minutes of weekly productivity gains, and stress reduction is expected to convince senior executives to prioritize well-being.
- A Journey meditation program is expected to result in a 51% reduction in work absence in the month following the program compared to the prior month.
- Aetna is expected to have saved $3,000 per employee annually through workplace meditation and yoga programs.
- Participants in the Journey program are predicted to report a 10% increase in productivity, a 14% increase in focus, a 17% increase in quality of life, and a 20% reduction in stress after eight weeks.
- Creating a culture where taking five minutes for oneself feels safe is expected to be a key step in workplace implementation.
- Leading by example is predicted to be necessary to initiate cultural change in workplace settings.
- Building a community, such as through a live group meditation app, is expected to provide the accountability and support needed to sustain long-term practice.
- Losing 85 pounds is predicted to require a year or more of steady commitment supported by community involvement.
- While apps are popular, community-led support is predicted to be essential for maintaining long-term meditation practice.