Incorporating Yoga into Meetings

Despite an increase in overall wellness-based incentives, wellness and meetings may not be in the forefront of a meeting facilitator’s mind. Whether you’re discussing long-term strategy or launching a new product, meetings require an active and engaged mind. 32

1. What yoga tips can be used to stay balanced during a meeting?

Some poses in yoga recommend a drishti, or a focal point. This focal point helps with balance in certain positions. By focusing on your drishti during a pose, the mind is able to balance with the body. In meetings, consider your presentation as something like a drishti – something easy to focus on and smooth to deliver.

2. What yoga techniques can be used to stay engaged and alert during meetings?

When practicing yoga it’s important keep a strong spine. To keep the spine lengthened and straight, try engaging the core muscles. During meetings and other times when you’re seated for an extended time, take a moment to engage those core muscles and straighten your back. The effects from doing this simple stretch can benefit focus and alertness.

3. How can a meeting planner incorporate yoga into the meeting schedule?

I learned about chair yoga (10-Minute Chair Yoga), during my teacher training, which is beneficial for the office environment. It requires less range of motion, and devoting just 10 minutes each day improves body awareness and (often) a much needed mental break.

4. Have you seen a rise in yoga being a part of meetings?

I haven’t personally seen a rise in yoga as a part of meetings, but yoga in and of itself has become more popular. It’s nearly impossible to not see a yoga article somewhere in your social networks and on web pages – it benefits everyone!

5. What daily habits do you recommend to help balance work-life?

Practice yoga, giving love and attention to your body and mind. That doesn’t mean you have to go to a class every day. Taking a few minutes for yourself to stretch, taking a few deep breaths, and thanking your body for what it does for you every single day. Learning to listen to your body can create balance. If we need rest, take a nap. If we need an adventure, go explore. Life is about give and take, for everything that we are given, we must give something back.

 

About Brooke Ingram

Brooke Ingram, RN, RYT, was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She graduated from the University of North Carolina Greensboro in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Currently, Brooke is a pediatric registered nurse at Brenner Children’s Hospital where she loves and cares for children of all ages.  After developing an early interest in holistic medicine – aromatherapy, meditation, exercise – and learning the benefits of balancing mental and physical health, she enrolled in a yoga teacher training program where she became a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). Brooke will be leading a donation based yoga class the first Tuesday of every month at Design Archives on 4th street from 6:30-7:30 pm. To connect with Brooke simply email her at brookeingramrn@gmail.com or join Facebook group Asanas at the Archives .

Interested in creating a healthy new meeting experience? Let’s meet!