Short and Sweet--Practice Self Care in 10 minutes

ID: WMA2026_635

Track: Other

In our busy schedules, it can be hard to take a break. During this session, we will collectively participate in 6 different 10- minute self-care exercises. Using a 10-minute timer we will practice different ways to take a break. We will: meditate, finish one small project, make art, stretch, step outside, and read a magazine. Participants need to bring a “to do” list, their phone, and an open mind. Get ready to take a break!

Session Information

Format: Regular session/panel (roundtable, single speaker, etc.)

Uniqueness: This is a how-to session for stressed-out Museum workers to have six ideas to bring back to their work environments and use when they need a 10-minute break.

Objectives:

During this practical session, participants will:

1. Identify a timer on their phone and learn to set it.
2. Practice 6 different methods to reset their body and mind during a stressful workday.
3. Recognize that they are not alone in their stress–everyone needs a break.

Engagement: The intention is that all the audience members will participate. We need the room set up in classroom style so each person has a surface to work on, as well as space to move around. If possible, we need to be close to a door leading outside.

Relationship to Theme:

Audience

Audiences: Curators/Scientists/Historians Development and Membership Officers Events Planning Facilities Management Personnel Marketing & Communications (Including Social Media) Other Registrars, Collections Managers Technology 

Professional Level: All levels 

Scalability: **These outcomes are universal to any size museum. When working on a complex problem or when we feel like we have too much to do, it is easy to convince ourselves that we don’t have the time to take a break. However, research has found that taking a short break can be very beneficial for you and your work. Micro-breaks have been shown to have a positive relationship with both wellbeing and productivity. **

Participants