In this issue of Benefits FYI, we are sharing UBC Sauder Development and Alumni Engagement’s recent team-based experience with the 30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge. Based out of Robson Square, the UBC Sauder DAE team is a fun-loving group with members who love their jobs – connecting and engaging with alumni, donors, and the greater business community with exciting opportunities and initiatives.
UBC Sauder DAE team and other Robson Square colleagues
UBC Sauder DAE team and other Robson Square colleagues at Halloween
Participants of the 30-Day Challenge learn the core skills of mindfulness through evidence-based online training. The Challenge does not involve a formal meditation practice, instead teaching mindfulness-in-action for everyday life.
What were you hoping to gain from the Challenge and how did you hear about it?
After reading about the Challenge in September’s Benefits FYI Newsletter, we were keen to join and put Mindfulness into action. We had talked about it in different forms over the past few months so this seemed like the perfect opportunity.
Why did you decide to enroll as part of a team?
In the day-to-day busy world of work, it is easy to forget about oneself or practicing mindfulness. With a set 30-Day Challenge, we saw this as a good opportunity with a feasible timeline to remind each other to take some time out for ourselves. What really helped with our decision to take the Challenge, was all the research supporting the benefits of mindfulness (including a research project by a UBC Sauder Professor on the benefits of mindfulness in the workplace).
What was the value of practicing mindfulness as a team?
It helped knowing there was a conscious team effort to practice mindfulness and helped us in keeping our motivation high. Each of us kept accountable to our buddy.
What did you discover that was most surprising? What were the greatest benefits you’ve noticed?
It was surprising to see that Take 5, a key concept from the Challenge, can indeed make a difference in various scenarios – whether at work or in our personal lives. It was great to gain a skill that could transfer into all areas of life, and one that doesn’t require anything more than a few minutes of your time.
What does your team’s daily mindful practice look like now that the Challenge is complete?
No one’s 30-Day Challenge was the same and, admittedly, not everyone took part daily; however, the tools we’ve gained are valuable in their own right. An overall focus on wellbeing is always welcome!
Would you recommend this as a team-building activity? Why?
The Challenge is definitely what you make of it, but everyone does come out with something. While the 30 days may not be the same for all team members, the learning and focus on practicing mindfulness is something everyone can benefit from!
Mindfulness at UBC
The 30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge has been offered at the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses and the in-person Mindfulness@Work Six Week Program at the Vancouver campus to educate and bring the benefits of mindfulness to staff and faculty. Both offerings are available to UBC staff and faculty.
Staff, faculty, and departments or teams can register now (or even a few days late) for the next upcoming 30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge starting February 6!
Resources & Additional Information
- Meditation & Mindfulness Offerings at UBC
- UBC Self-Help Article: Top Tips to Become More Resilient
- UBC Sauder Study: Mindfulness-based program in school making a positive impact