I recently attended a three day conference where there were over 1100 participants. I love to people watch and observe the behaviours of those around me. At present, I am very focussed on health behaviours, particularly with our ever increasing sedentary ways (not only at work but in our everyday lives too). So this conference provided ample opportunity to observe those around me.
I am sure you all have all attended conferences and training sessions in the past. Conferences and training in my experience are sedentary in nature – they involve sitting, sitting and more sitting. The structure of the conference I attended was just like this. It required attendance at one whole group presentation in a large auditorium and then attendance at varying interest area streams which involved presentations in smaller rooms filled with lines and lines of chairs. Sometimes seating was hard to come by, particularly in the more popular sessions.
One of my most significant observations of the health behaviours of my fellow colleagues at this conference was the acceptance of sedentary behaviours during presentations. I guess I assumed as health professionals that we would be more proactive in our approach but alas no!
At this conference I was determined that I would buck the trend of sedentary behaviours. So, I made a conscious decision to stand up during presentations. As some of you can probably appreciate, sometimes the content at conferences is not always the most stimulating and can leave you feeling pretty tired or with a crick in your neck (from falling asleep) when in sitting! The advantage of standing is that it keeps your mind alert and actually can improve concentration. So, why not shake things up and change your approach.
Now, I didn’t stand all the time (nor would I recommend that) but when I had the opportunity to alternate my position between sitting and standing during a presentation I did. I would choose a seat in the back row or on the end or a row which enabled me to stand or sit as I pleased. Or alternatively in some presentations I choose to stand at the back of the room (and not because there were no seats left or so I could make a quick escape)! I definitely noticed a positive change in my attention and concentration levels.
One of the things that struck me the most as I was standing at the back of a presentation during day one was that I was the only one making a conscious decision to do this. When the rooms were full and seating was at its limit, people would then stand – because they had no other choice. I actually heard someone come into the room (who was none too pleased to find no seats available) say “I didn’t come here to stand”.
What I will give a shout out to my fellow colleagues for was the use of stairs – which was great to see. When you have a choice between an escalator and several flights of stairs to take you up two levels, the escalator is the easy choice but not the best one for your health.
So next time you are at a conference or training, where the expectation is (and what everyone else is doing) is to sit, buck the trend. Spend some time standing rather than sitting during presentations – alternate your position. Don’t sit outside the door when waiting for the next session to start, take a short stroll. Movement is key. What I want to encourage is making a conscious choice to look after yourself and to change our sedentary behaviours. Your body will thank-you. Make a positive change for your health and wellness - it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here’s to your work health wellness.
Cheers, Cath
P.S. Let me know how you go bucking the trend. I would love to hear from you about how making this simple change made a difference for you.
P.P.S. If you know something needs to change in the way you are working, we need to talk. Contact me via email info@occupationalfocus.com.au to get your FREE consult.