Keeping active and healthy whilst having a busy work life can be achieved and will not only enhance your performance at work, but help to boost your mood too! Physical activity, regular movement, stretching and breaks are important both in and outside of working hours. There are different tips and pieces of advice we can offer that will ensure you maintain an active lifestyle in the workplace.
Actively commuting can be a great start for adding more movement to your daily routine. Walking, running, cycling or scooting to work are all options to choose from and can ensure you start your day in the best possible way. Moving in the morning can improve your energy levels, concentration and improve your sleep which will also help your working life. The added benefits that physical activity has as well means that there’s many positives from choosing a form of active travel.
Exercising before work if you work from home can be added to your routine also, at Active Essex we offer online Zoom sessions with some great instructors who will get your heart pumping and put a smile on your face as you join them for a class to actively start your day (find the links here: https://www.activeessex.org/find-your-active/find-your-active-workplace-edition/workplace-resources/ ).
Whilst at work, it’s important to focus on your physical and mental wellbeing which will improve your mood and productivity. This can be achieved by taking regular breaks, getting fresh air throughout the day and stretching after long periods of being sat down. Lunchtime yoga or stretching sessions will help you reconnect and relax which will benefit you for the last half of the day.
Being part of team can benefit you when beginning to add more movement to your routine because you and your co-workers could join a class together whether that be at lunchtime or after work. Also, you could agree to have walking meetings or outside breaks together as this will motivate you to get active as a team. Adding some healthy competition into your team could help also as you could take part in a team challenge where you count your steps or flights of stairs climbed throughout the week. The options are endless when you have people around you to support and motivate you!
Stress can also play a factor in your personal wellbeing which can affect both body and mind. Getting active and moving is important but looking after your wellbeing can also mean taking mindfulness breaks, breathing exercises can help you refocus too.
At Active Essex, we believe in everyone finding their active and adding movement to their routine and this includes the daily working life. There are different resources on our website and YouTube channel that can help you achieve this and give you ideas on how to get moving more : https://www.activeessex.org/find-your-active/find-your-active-workplace-edition/workplace-resources/ .
Make moving a natural part of your working day to look after your physical and mental wellbeing!
