The Exercise – Work Connection: Incorporating Physical Activity into Your Workday.

Today’s work environment is fast-paced but sedentary, so it is very easy to fall into the trap of spending long hours sitting at a desk. But what If I told you, it’s also very easy to escape that trap?

Here at Absolute, we have lots of fun ways to get people moving, including table tennis, a football table, a pool table, and our own gym. Not only is it a great way to get some form of exercise but we can also spend time with our colleagues with no work talk!

 

Why include physical activities?

Incorporating physical activity into the workplace is good for several reasons. Firstly, regular exercise has been scientifically proven to enhance overall health and well-being.  By making simple changes to incorporate physical activity into your workday, you can increase your energy levels, reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance your overall well-being.

Additionally, including physical activity in the workplace promotes teamwork and employee engagement. Collaborative activities like group exercises or sports encourage interaction and communication among colleagues, helping to build stronger relationships and a sense of camaraderie.

 

Ideas of how to bring in workplace activities

Here are some effective strategies that we use as a business that you can also implement to help you escape the trap and incorporate physical activity into your day.

Firstly, try active commuting. Walking or biking to work is a great way to kickstart your day. If your workplace is too far away to do this, which is the case for most of us here, parking your car farther away from your office or getting off public transport a few stops earlier allows you to enjoy some fresh air and clear your mind before tackling your tasks for the day.

Instead of remaining glued to your desk – something all of us have been guilty of doing at one point in our careers - take active breaks through the day and make it a point to get up and move. There are many ways to do this such as taking a stroll around the office, walking to your colleague’s desk for a quick chat about a project, and even stretching to relieve muscle tension. Not only will these short breaks help you stay physically active, but they can also boost your focus, recharge your mind, show you a new perspective, increasing your productivity.

 

 

Sitting for prolonged periods of time can have negative effects on your health. Consider investing in a standing desk or adjustable furniture that allows you to switch between sitting and standing. Alternating between the 2 every 30 minutes or so will engage different muscle groups and improve circulation.

Make the most of your lunch. Instead of eating at your desk, use this time to engage in exercise. The staff at Absolute regularly break a sweat in our office gym at lunchtime – to take a sneak peek, visit our TikTok @absoluteagency. If low-key is more your speed, you could find a quiet spot outdoors for a brisk walk or to practice mindfulness through meditation or deep breathing exercises. At Absolute, we also encourage people to get on one of our Absolute bikes and take a ride up to Rivington!

 

 

Lastly, schedule active meetings. This, I admit, is a bit unorthodox. Make meetings or brainstorming sessions a walk around the office or outside instead of sitting in a boardroom. This approach not only promotes physical activity but encourages creativity and fresh thinking. Walking meetings can be particularly effective for one-to-one conversations or small group discussions.  We have been known to take part in a group walk up to Rivington Pike in the afternoon for some refreshing therapy and teamwork.

In summary, staying active helps you stay motivated and it also promotes teamwork and employee engagement. So, get on that bike, do some group yoga, or just enjoy some fresh air.  Prioritise physical activity and help create a healthier, happier, and more motivated workforce!