Now more than ever, it’s vital to make time for physical and mental well-being in our communities. Research has shown that over half of Millennials feel lonely on a regular basis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stress during an infectious disease outbreak can lead to a host of other mental and physical issues. They advise that connecting online with your community is an important way to cope with that stress.
You can host an online Meetup event that helps people unite and unwind. The community’s demand for health-focused events is clear. In the last six months alone, over 94,000 unique health and well-being Meetup events were created. Some of the most popular Meetup event topics include Meditation, Wellness, Healthy Living, Yoga, Stress Relief, and Life Transformation.
Although we face very serious challenges, we also live in a time of unprecedented connection. In the digital age, not even a full shutdown can keep us apart. Below are a few ideas to help you kickstart a popular online Meetup event focused on health.
3 Online health-focused events you can host today
1. Group yoga
When regular access to gyms, pools, and other fitness institutions is limited, yoga remains an excellent health practice that can be done from the safety and comfort of your own home. Unsurprisingly, interest in yoga has blossomed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve seen a 329% increase in the search volume of yoga since March. People are hungry for vigorous physical activity that is achievable at home.
There are many different types of yoga—Vinyasa, Bikram, Ashtanga, and others—for newcomers to explore. However, it’s not always easy for beginners to figure out how to perform the movements on their own. That’s why organizing group yoga sessions on Meetup is such a valuable contribution to your community.
People are looking for online yoga events more than ever before. In addition to muscular and cardiovascular benefits, yoga offers a much-needed physical outlet for the stresses we’re all facing.
Learn more about starting a yoga group on Meetup.
In meditation circles, some people prefer the experience of an in-person human guide to apps with pre-recorded audio. When in-person classes are unavailable, people look for live virtual classes that you can easily host on Meetup.
A great thing about meditation is that it can be done just about anywhere. There’s also a very low barrier to entry. You don’t need to commute, purchase any essential items, or be highly experienced. Anyone interested in meditation can jump right in. Your meditation event is a great opportunity to connect with people of all backgrounds and help everyone feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
When you prepare to lead your Meetup group, you don’t have to write a whole script, but think of some phrases that will engage the mind while simultaneously relaxing the body. You can promote your meditation Meetup group by focusing on themes like “Spirituality” or “Good Mental Health” to help connect with people who share common goals.
Learn more about starting a meditation group on Meetup.
2. Guided meditation
In meditation circles, some people prefer the experience of an in-person human guide to apps with pre-recorded audio. When in-person classes are unavailable, people look for live virtual classes that you can easily host on Meetup.
A great thing about meditation is that it can be done just about anywhere. There’s also a very low barrier to entry. You don’t need to commute, purchase any essential items, or be highly experienced. Anyone interested in meditation can jump right in. Your meditation event is a great opportunity to connect with people of all backgrounds and help everyone feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
When you prepare to lead your Meetup group, you don’t have to write a whole script, but think of some phrases that will engage the mind while simultaneously relaxing the body. You can promote your meditation Meetup group by focusing on themes like “Spirituality” or “Good Mental Health” to help connect with people who share common goals.
Learn more about starting a meditation group on Meetup.
3. Support groups
Jill, the organizer of a popular Meetup group that supports divorcees, shared her take on why the world needs support groups of all kinds right now.
Support groups, like ours, offer an immediate circle of people who really understand what you’re going through. Our group also offers social activities where friendships are formed and weekend activities are planned abating loneliness and feelings of isolation.
Jill, Greater Long Island Divorce & Separation Support Group
Due to COVID-19, in-person support group sessions have been suspended nationwide. Many people who are used to the social comfort and stability of in-person support groups are in need of alternatives. Fortunately, Meetup organizers like Jill have adapted to the circumstances by hosting events online. In fact, Jill has seen attendance at online meetings grow because her events are no longer limited to one place.
Along with offering a safe environment to share stories and express emotion, support groups are a place where individuals gather information and resources relevant to their situation. In that way, support groups are more than just a coping mechanism and can lead to real positive outcomes in recovery.
By hosting an online support group through Meetup, you can provide a platform for conversation and healing to people in your community and abroad. Learn more about starting a support group on Meetup.
Overcoming health obstacles
Change is hard. Our routines keep us grounded. When they get disrupted, our mental and physical health can be disrupted, too. All over the globe, we’re experiencing a time of great uncertainty. One thing we know for sure is that we can’t get through it alone.
Luckily, the distance imposed on us by social shutdowns can be overcome. With a little planning, we can maintain our routines by adjusting them to the digital space. We’re fortunate to have the ability to connect with our friends, families, and communities at large by hosting virtual events. It only takes a few minutes to learn the basics of hosting online events on Meetup.
Last modified on November 13, 2023
