Attending virtual events can involve a lot of sitting and a lot of screen time. It can be difficult to remember to take time for yourself.
The WordCamp Kent organizers wanted to incorporate an element of wellness in our online event, to encourage everyone involved to take time to move, unwind, and practice mindfulness. We are excited to have Michelle Thomas of Om Land CLE lead beginner-level stretching sessions during our lunch breaks each day.
Get to know Michelle and her passion for staying mindful while working below.
About Michelle and OM Land CLE
Michelle is a certified yoga teacher, lover of Cleveland, and fanatic for all things local and lively!
It all started when Michelle had a lightbulb moment when she was stretching at her own 9-5 job. As a certified yoga teacher, she realized there was a way to introduce her love of the practice to a traditional working environment with great benefits to employees and employers alike.
Om Land CLE was launched. By incorporating yoga and meditation into an organization’s benefits, businesses often see an increase in workplace morale, increased productivity, reduce stress/fatigue, employee retention, and attract quality new hires.
Om Land CLE is here to help your office relax and create brilliant brain work all day long.
What got you interested in yoga for the workplace?
I have always been highly interested in how the body works. Out of college, I got a 9-5 job and found my daily activity plummet. Throughout yoga teacher training, I learned more and more about the need for individuals to not only be mobile but to combat movements they do every day to avoid repetitive stress injuries and prolonged periods of sitting. I began teaching at my office and got great feedback around how the awareness of the body and breath was helping my coworkers feel better at work. I launched Om Land with the hope to spread this “feel” good feeling to folks in Cleveland who create brilliant work all day long, and could use some time to reboot.
What are the benefits of working in stretching or yoga into your day?
The benefits of movement, and yoga, in particular, include an increase in energy, relief of head/neck/back strain, alleviate symptoms of carpal tunnel, better sleep, and increased concentration.
What are your favorite stretches to do to take breaks during long periods of sitting/working?
My two favorite movements, which we do in the chair yoga class, are neck rotations and goal post arms. Both these movements provide relief to the neck/shoulders and also externally rotate the shoulders which often are overly internally rotated.
Thank you to Michelle for generously donating her time to help us recharge during WordCamp Kent. She has even provided attendees with her quick tips for practicing mindfulness at work! For more on Michelle, check out her website, and follow Om Land CLE on Facebook and Instagram.
Her sessions will be about 25-30 minutes during the lunch breaks on Saturday and Sunday. The recordings will also be made available to attendees after the event.
If you haven’t gotten your ticket to WordCamp Kent 2020 yet, our event is all online and completely free! Get your ticket here.