We spend a whopping 60 per cent of our waking hours in the workplace. For those of us working in an office environment, that could amount to almost 60 per cent of our time spent sitting at a desk. To combat the risks associated with being inactive for extended periods of time, in recent years, new ways to stay active at work have been introduced; from standing desks to ‘brain gym’-style exercises in the office.
Through organisations such as the British Heart Foundation and the UK government, there has been a huge drive nationally to promote staying active during the working day – emphasising the benefits to our personal wellbeing and to our employers’ bottom line. And, as more employers have realised the benefits of an active lifestyle to wellbeing, the ways to #BEACTIVE at work have multiplied.
At Birchwood Park, we’ve recognised that no two people are the same and have diversified our active offering to include the gym, fitness classes, Parklife Pacers, a ‘borrow a bike’ scheme and summer games in the Fun Hut. We also support cycling to work through the provision of bike racks across the park.
But, why #BEACTIVE? We’ve taken a look at some of the main benefits to remaining active during the working day:
- An active lifestyle has been linked to improved performance at work.
- Exercise groups or classes provide the opportunity to socialise, network and feel part of something more than the four walls of the office.
- Even just a 10-minute walk can provide a break from work pressures and ease stress – improving mental balance.
- By exercising during the working day (at lunch, before or straight after work) you don’t have to worry about fitting it into the evening.
- Exercise is proven to release endorphins and serotonin – giving you the feel-good factor!
Something new
The Start Active, Stay Active report recommends breaking up long periods of sitting time with “shorter bouts of activity for just one to two minutes”. How could you begin to break up the working day?
