Promoting Workplace Wellbeing: Day of Active Breaks at UMECIT

Last Monday, March 25, the day of active breaks was carried out in person, in collaboration with 6 students from the Occupational Safety and Health and University Wellbeing program. The initiative was developed at the Fundadores headquarters, Véneto A and Véneto B, with the aim of promoting stretching spaces among UMECIT employees and promoting a culture of safety in work areas. Later, on Wednesday, March 27, the administrative staff from the Santiago, Chorrera, David and Chitré Headquarters joined the event, who connected from their respective headquarters. This additional day was led by the Career Coordinator, the university Physiotherapy and Wellness clinic, with the purpose of generating interaction and physical and mental well-being through movements during the work day to revitalize the body and mind.

Going into context, during the sessions the importance of incorporating specific exercises in active breaks was emphasized to counteract the negative effects of sedentary lifestyle and prolonged posture. Joint mobility exercises, such as shoulder rotation and neck flexion-extension, were suggested to improve range of motion and reduce stiffness. Likewise, the need to include static and dynamic stretching exercises for specific muscle groups, such as the hip flexors, hamstrings, chest and back muscles, was highlighted.

Additionally, the importance of holding each static stretch for at least 30 seconds to allow the muscles to relax and lengthen properly was stressed. Emphasis was placed on promoting postural awareness during active breaks, with alignment and postural correction exercises to counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting. This included stretching exercises to open the chest and strengthen the upper back muscles, as well as muscle activation exercises for the stabilizing muscles of the spine.

During this day, it was demonstrated that dedicating small spaces to physical stretching during the workday can generate significant short-term benefits in our daily activities.