Do you sit a lot during the day? Rest and sitting is great and feels good, but humans are meant to move. If you notice the majority of your day is sitting and you feel the symptoms of prolonged periods of being sedentary such as tight low back, tight and tension in shoulders, furrowing in the forehead, clenching the jaw, or squinting with the eyes, or even perhaps emotionally - a feeling of anxiousness, or even feeling low in motivation, we invite you to practice bringing a bit more mindful and intentional movement into your day!
In today's world, many people spend a significant portion of their day sitting in front of a computer or at a desk, leading to a sedentary lifestyle. This can have a negative impact on our health and wellbeing, and is one of the main reasons why movement is so important in our society, especially in the workplace. Regular movement helps to combat the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Sitting for prolonged periods of time has been linked to a range of health problems, such as back pain, poor posture, diabetes, and heart disease. Moving regularly throughout the day, whether it’s taking a walk around the office or stretching at your desk, can help to promote better physical health.
By increasing movement - and this doesn’t need to be any sort of class, or any sort of duration, but instead regular movement that interrupts postural habits - you’re increasing blood flow and supporting all of your systems to work better.In addition to physical health benefits, movement can also have a positive impact on our mental health. Regular movement can help to reduce stress and improve mood, as it releases endorphins and other feel-good chemicals in the brain. This can be especially important in the workplace, where stress and anxiety can often be high. Taking a break to move around and get some fresh air can help to improve focus and productivity, as well as reduce the risk of burnout and mental health issues.
Another important reason why movement is crucial in the workplace is that it can help to promote better communication and teamwork. When people move around and interact with each other, it can lead to more collaboration and a sense of community. This is especially true in open-plan offices or co-working spaces, where people from different departments or companies may be working together. Regular movement breaks can help to break down barriers and encourage more communication and collaboration. It's important to note that movement doesn't have to be intense or time-consuming. Even small movements can make a big difference over time. For example, taking a few minutes to stretch at your desk or do some simple exercises can help to reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility. Going for a short walk during your lunch break or taking the stairs instead of the elevator can help to increase your daily activity levels and promote better overall health.
One of the biggest challenges to incorporating movement into the workplace is the culture of sitting and sedentary behaviour that has become so common in many offices. Many people feel like they don't have the time or energy to move around during the day, or they feel like it's not acceptable in their workplace culture. However, by making movement a priority and encouraging others to do the same, it's possible to create a culture of wellness and physical activity in the workplace. And you know we have no qualms about being in discomfort, and support you to do the same You can make this more accessible by inviting your co-workers to join you!
Some practical tips for incorporating more movement into your workday include:
Setting reminders to get up and move every 30 minutes or so
Taking short walking breaks during the day, such as walking to a colleague's desk instead of sending an email or taking the long route to the restroom
Using a standing desk or a stability ball to sit on instead of a traditional chair
Doing simple exercises or stretches at your desk, such as shoulder rolls or leg lifts
Encouraging coworkers to join you for a short walk or stretching session during breaks or lunchtime.
Movement doesn’t need to be big, or time consuming. As long as it’s mindful and within your practice, you’ll reap the benefits and support your own journey in wellbeing.
Need some ideas? Check out this video.
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