We are all aware that exercise is good for us and benefits not only our physical health but also our emotional well-being. So we try to prioritize it, but something else’more essential’ constantly takes precedence. Have you ever been worried about missing a deadline, so you spend your free time to your job, leaving your physical health last on your priority list? Some of us may be familiar with this scenario, and while we recognize the importance of exercise for a healthy mind and body, we continue the destructive cycle of avoiding physical activity in order to work.
Given how easily we put off exercise, perhaps we should reconsider its importance. We are sitting for longer periods of time than ever before, often slumped over our cellphones or computers. This curved shape we force our spine into for extended periods of time puts pressure on it, and if we continue to sit in this manner, it will eventually lead to wear and tear of not only our spinal discs, but also ligaments and muscles.
Sedentism was not designed into our bodies
Another unforeseen consequence of sitting like this is that our chest cavity contracts, giving our lungs less room to expand. Our bodies were not built to be sedentary. Our bodies, on the other hand, require movement and were created to move.
Movement allows our blood to circulate, and movement benefits our nerve cells. Sedentism is becoming a public health concern, as it has been linked to a number of chronic health problems. Adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
We may feel that the longer we labor, the more satisfied we will be with our output levels. However, we are increasing our risk of a number of serious health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Physical inactivity can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression, as well as several cancers.
How might active employees improve your workplace?
Is it true that sitting for long periods of time makes us more productive? Consider the benefits of physical activity for your workforce. Employees that engage in physical activity are more self-assured and enthusiastic, owing to the endorphins released after exercise. Endorphins promote a more positive attitude toward work, resulting in a less stressed workforce.
Their immune systems are often stronger, allowing them to combat illness more successfully. This is a significant gain for businesses, which are now spending billions of dollars on sick leave. It is evident that having a fit and healthy staff is in their best interests, and encouraging physical exercise in the workplace will aid in the reduction of absenteeism and presenteeism.
What can you do at work to encourage physical activity?
Large corporations have the good option of building in-house gyms with shower facilities, making it easy to fit in 30 minutes of exercise every day. Smaller businesses may not have the space or funds to build an onsite gym, but they can offer low-cost gym memberships, and yoga classes for staff are becoming increasingly popular.
Standing desks will help our spines straighten, and don’t forget about those strolling meetings. The movement not only counts as part of your daily activity, but it also fosters creative thinking, allowing you to contribute ideas to the meeting that you might not have had if everyone was seated at a desk, making the time more creative and fruitful.
Encourage physical activity by offering bicycle rentals or weekly walking challenges. Fitness trackers and smartphones measure our daily steps, making it simple to organize a fun office challenge to help us accomplish our 10,000 step goal.
Encourage taking lunch breaks away from your desk and regular screen breaks. While providing opportunities for your employees to be active is great, educating them on the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle (while being careful not to scare them) may encourage greater activity for the right reasons.
Investing effort in building a good wellness strategy will enhance the physical and emotional well-being of your workers, as well as the general well-being of the organization. One tip we have for encouraging people to exercise at work is to gently nudge and encourage them. Allow plans to evolve organically rather than forcing them to join in your new physical fitness initiatives.
Of course, if you require assistance or support with workplace physical activity activities, including speeches and classes, please contact us!