A moai, similar to the term hui in Hawai‘i, is a tradition among Okinawans that brings people together for support and fostering friendships. In Blue Zones Project®, we support the launch of moais by bringing people together to meet once a week through a Potluck Moai, to support and share healthy dishes; or a Walking Moai, to talk story while getting in some steps.
CONNECTING THROUGH MOAIS
Did you know that a sense of belonging supports individual well-being and is one of the core Power 9® principles that promote behaviors connected to longevity? Whether it’s a lunch, Friday golf, a book club, or even a walking group, these social connections promote many well-being benefits while having fun! The best part, you can create these connections even during the workday!
A moai, similar to the term hui in Hawai‘i, is a tradition among Okinawans that brings people together for support and fostering friendships. In Blue Zones Project®, we support the launch of moais by bringing people together to meet once a week through a Potluck Moai, to support and share healthy dishes; or a Walking Moai, to talk story while getting in some steps. Through a moai, you can connect with others that support healthier habits.
Most of us have been told the many benefits of walking, and many of us who walk are familiar with these benefits even if we don’t always feel or see them with each walk. The benefits of walking are good for us both physically and mentally. And while we recognize not everyone is able to walk in the traditional sense, simply being outdoors when the opportunity arises benefits our health.
For many of us, it can be easy to prioritize work and other things in our lives that seem important – too easy in fact, that such an activity as walking can often be postponed or delayed to “when I have time.” A Walking Moai, not only helps us prioritize walking, but also connects us with others while walking.
Taking the First Step
Maybe some of us are still “getting back out there” following the COVID-19 pandemic, but no matter the case, walking, rolling, moving, is achievable at virtually any level. It’s practically free too, although we strongly recommend investing in comfortable shoes – consider visiting your nearest athletic shoe shop and trying on shoes until you find the right pair for you – and remember, before we can run, we what? We walk! Start off small with short routes and shorter durations. As you get comfortable go a little further, walk a little longer, and try new and exciting routes.
When walking solo, find a safe and preferably serene environment (such as beaches, gardens, forest, nature, etc.), to “be alone with one’s thoughts” which is known to reduce stress. There’s a reason monks and nuns frequently engage in walking meditation – walking increases blood and oxygen flow to the brain, causing it to work better and stay healthier longer. That means that in the short-term, our problem-solving and temper management gets better in the moment while walking; and long-term benefits could mean a strong memory and even prevention or mitigation of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions like dementia. So, when you start to feel those stressful moments during the day, just had a stressful meeting, or can’t figure out why your numbers aren’t lining up, take a walking break.
Teams That Walk Together, Work Well Together
Walking with others is for many a social occasion rather than exercise time (though that’s certainly a positive side-effect!). This is the reason Walking Moais have stuck together over the years!
Above left: The 4M Walking Moai formed in early 2018… and continue meeting up to this day (above right)!
Above: colleagues from Hawaii’s Department of Public Safety get together for their Walk Healthy Wednesdays – their destination this time was Up Roll in Kakaako, a 30-minute, 2-mile roundtrip walk.
Walking Moais at work benefit not only the participants, but they also benefit the organization in a variety of ways including strengthening the team’s connection and performance. The American Psychological Association says that walking or rolling in a wheelchair outside boosts creativity.
Considering a walking meeting for your team. A walking meeting away from people’s desks and computers can also mean fewer distractions and less multitasking, making participants more engaged and intentional contributors and listeners. It also gets people moving throughout the day. Take your meeting outdoors and away from the formal office setting to cause thoughts and ideas to flow more freely. People who feel relaxed and at ease communicate better, making walking meetings potentially more efficient than those in stuffy conference rooms.
“I enjoy the Walking Moai with my coworkers as it gets me out of the office and into the fresh air twice a day.” - Lee-Ana Gloor, Planning Department - Long Range Division, County of Hawaiʻi, a Certified Blue Zones Project Worksite
Sometimes a change of scenery can be nice – walking groups comprised of people who work in different departments can lead to new and unexpected workplace friendships. Weekly get-togethers among colleagues who enjoy each other’s company is something for them to look forward to – this strengthens organizational cohesion and retention. A cross-functional or company-wide moai organically breaks down company silos and can open undiscovered doors to strengthen teams, increase performance, and ignite creativity, and even innovation. Thus, launching a walking group at your organization provides one of the highest ROI well-being activities for employees.
Above left: Big Island Toyota Walking Moai. Above right: Hawaii Community FCU Walking Moai with family members!
Above: Walking Moai at Hawaiian Telcom, Maui
Celebrate Each Step
Although step counting is all the rage these days, a couple other measurement methods can be just as effective – amount of time spent walking, how quickly you wear out your shoes, or even how you feel from a walk – these are all perfectly valid no-tech indicators that measure your walking abilities!Find ways to celebrate and share your walk with a team photo!
Launch a Moai Today!
Contact us for your copy of our Walking Moai Toolkit to gain insights and resources on how to launch a Walking Moai or even turn it into a fun challenge. If you would like to learn more about moais or how your organization can create healthier environments for your staff, contact cyrus.howe@sharecare.com.
Consider the following to start walking like a pro!
- Proper hydration is important in Hawaii! Bring your water bottle or walk where you know water fountains are accessible.
- Proper sun protection is just as important! Consult your dermatologist and wear 30-50+ SPF anytime you plan to spend 30 minutes or more in the sun. Consider protective long sleeve shirts and hats too. Umbrellas are also cool, and so is walking in the morning/evening and in the shade!
- Comfortable footwear cannot be understated – no one likes to walk in discomfort – try on as many pairs as it takes and talk to your salesperson to find the right pair for you.
- Enjoy every walk as a gift to yourself whether you’re going from A to B, or just going to the mailbox and back!
Join the Well-Being Movement!
To learn more about incorporating well-being in your workplace, email bluezonesprojecthawaii@sharecare.com.
Email our team to learn more about partnering with us to make healthy choices easier at your worksite, school, grocery store, restaurant, or faith-based organization.
Check out all participating organizations.
Sign up to receive community updates!
Learn more at www.bzphawaii.com
