Zen Den and Zumba Promote Health and Wellness

In a profession of healers, personal health and wellness are critical.

“During a time when emergency nurses continue to be stretched and burnt out, it’s important to carve out some time for self-care,” ENA Meetings Director Jamie Garcia said.

ENA President Jennifer Schmitz has promoted this philosophy with her “recharge” theme, and Emergency Nursing 2022 is reenergizing its health and wellness activities this year in Denver.

For the first time, ENA’s annual conference will include the calming effects of a Zen Den. Open Sept. 30 through Oct. 2 in the Colorado Convention Center, this device-free zone will be a tranquil oasis to decompress.

“There will be couches and soft furniture, some yoga mats and some activities that will help destress our attendees and lend to that mental wellness that we’re all pushing toward,” said Angela Jonker, ENA meetings manager.

Talking is discouraged to create a quiet, peaceful space.

For attendees who would prefer to kickstart the day raising their heart rates, Mile High Zumba classes offer high-energy group exercise.

Conference attendees will have two opportunities to work out with some international tunes. The hourlong Mile High Zumba sessions on Oct. 1 and 3 begin at 6:30 a.m. in the Hyatt Regency Denver Convention Center Hotel, Centennial Ballroom A. Pre-registration is required and costs $10 per session.

Massage chairs in the Experience Hall provide another opportunity to power down for a few minutes between education sessions. The Experience Hall is open 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 1 and 2.

“Emergency Nursing 2022 encompasses health and wellness throughout the show, whether that means opportunities to catch up or meet new friends, a workout, some quiet downtime or ripping up the dance floor,” Garcia said. “This conference is geared to encompass and provide health and wellness in whatever format our emergency nurses need.”