In today’s society, it’s hard to go anywhere without noticing our almost obsession with health. It seems everywhere you turn, more and more people are opting for lifestyle changes that promote an overall sense of wellbeing. As meeting planners, you know how vital it is to capitalize on these popular interests in order to create a sense of excitement among attendees. But beyond staying up to date on the latest trends, wrapping wellness offerings into your group programs can combat stress, prevent illness and have an extremely positive impact on physical and mental agility.

While exploring stress in the workplace, the Centers for Disease Control has stated that it is “highly common and very likely for stress to turn into chronic disease”. Disease, which can then cost a company up to a quarter of a trillion dollars each year due to loss of productivity along with the expense of covering employees sick days. With numbers that high, it’s clear why many large companies and corporations are looking for ways to incorporate health and wellness initiatives into their everyday workplace and group meetings.

Here are some simple, but effective ways you can include health and wellness offerings at your next group meeting:

4 Health and wellness ideas to take your meetings from average to awesome

Preventative Nutrition
The National Cancer Institute concludes that about 40 percent of the population will contract cancer at some point during their lifetime. However, they also note that nutrition and diet can play a huge role in prevention. This doesn’t mean that you have o go completely vegan or exist solely on a plant-based or raw diet. In actuality, ‘preventative nutrition’ is a lot easier than it sounds!

In avoidance of a wild health-food chase, most of the spices and foods that are linked with nutrient-rich properties are items you probably have in your own cupboard! For example, antioxidants found in garlic and onions have been found to protect against illnesses such as heart disease, while consumption of ginger and turmeric can decrease risk of Alzheimer’s. In addition, super-foods such as quinoa and organically grown produce have become a staple on restaurant and hotel menus.

The next time you plan your food and beverage menu, opt for a nutrient-dense, well-balanced meal that will not only satisfy your attendees but also set them on the right track to health and well-being!

What’s the deal with Organic?
Unless you live under a rock, you’ve heard about the food industries 100% organic platform and seen the widespread trend, leaving restaurants and grocery stores scrambling to stock up on non-GMO food products. What you may not be familiar with is the movement outside of food and into consumer fiber and personal care products. Hotels are partially responsible for the explosive demand of these organic products; stocking guest rooms with local and organic amenities and opting for chemical free cleaning products. In fact, Island Hotel in Newport Beach, CA, recently introduced its Hypoallergenic Floor. Offering a complete floor of guest rooms that are 99% free of allergens, Island Hotel uses natural, eco-friendly products perfect for guests with allergies, asthma or chemical sensitivities.

Get Up!
Scheduling short activity breaks during long events or meetings can help to rejuvenate focus and increase productivity. Try incorporating breakout sessions that force event goers to break their seated positions in favor of getting up and moving around the room! This could be as simple as dialing up the music for a dance break or offering a facilitated yoga/stretch break. If you’re looking for a complete change of pace, move outside conference room walls and into fresh air. It’s amazing what a little sun stimulation can do for your energy levels!

Relaxation & Balance
We are so conditioned to being on 24/7, with smartphones practically stuck to our hip it’s no wonder we may have a hard time just shutting down. Doing more doesn’t necessarily make us more productive. As human beings, we need breaks in order to thrive. “Just as your car runs more smoothly when the wheels are in perfect alignment, you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals and values are in balance,” says personal and professional development author and speaker, Brian Tracy.

Relaxation decreases the affects of stress, helping individuals replenish their reserves. The Mayo Clinic has conducted numerous studies on the affects of relaxation and meditation on the body. Their research shows that relaxation slows the heart and breathing rate, lowers blood pressure, reduces tension and improves overall mood. While staring at a computer screen, tablet or phone prior to going to bed will keep the mind active and inhibit the ability to relax.

More effective ways to unwind include listening to music, reading a book or drinking a cup of caffeine free tea. Hotels are responding to this growing demand for down time with special beds, pillows and linens, lavender aromatherapy spritzers and organic, caffeine free teas.

When your looking for natural ways to incorporate health and well-being initiatives into your next group program, contact the staff at Visit Newport Beach, the destination marketing organization for Newport Beach, CA. Visit Newport Beach opens the doors to this coastal paradise with destination expertise, customized site visits, strong partnerships and resources that ease the planning process.