We all know it’s good to move. That it’s not good for us to keep chained to our desks at work. But how easy do we find it to move in our working day?
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week 13-19 May and this year’s theme is “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”.??Check out my blog on why?moving is good for us and our mental health. And join me in committing to five simple healthy wellbeing at work habits this week.
In a working day of back to back Teams calls, deadlines to meet, emails to answer, it can often feel hard to step away from our desks. Even though we know it’s not healthy, how many of us keep on ploughing through the day without stopping for air?
We know what we “should” be doing for our health, but there’s always just one more thing to get to, then another, then another and before you know it, you’ve been at your desk for hours.
So how about for Mental Health Awareness Week, we commit to FIVE simple healthy wellbeing habits for each working day this week and see how that makes us feel when we move more?
5 simple practices for wellbeing at work this Mental Health Awareness Week
1. Breathe
Slow down the breath to quieten the nervous system when you find yourself in freeze, fight or flight mode and bring some peace and calm.
Breathe in slowly for a count of three. Hold for a count of three. Then slowly exhale for six. Repeat three times. Practise this three times during your work day, in the morning, middle and end of the day.
2. Move every 45 minutes
Average humans can only concentrate on a task for 15-20 minutes, before concentration declines. To increase productivity, take a five minute break and step away from your desk every 45 minutes. Schedule short breaks every working hour.?Get up and move away from your screen. Go speak to a colleague in the office, fetch a glass of water, take a comfort break or anything that moves you away from your work-station.
3. Pause for lunch
Promise yourself you’ll take a proper lunch break & commit to doing something for yourself every day that has nothing to do with work. Take your full hour, leave the building and go for a walk. If you’re lucky to be close to a park, or the countryside, get out in nature and enjoy the greenery and wildlife.
4. Water yourself
Fetch a glass of water or make a cup of tea. People need 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day. Stepping away from your desk to get a drink is also good way to catch up with colleagues, socialise and take advantage of the “water-cooler” moments in the office.
5. Give thanks and practice gratitude
Take time for reflection and gratitude practice. Looking back on the highs and lows of the day, note your wins and successes. Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small, and focus on the positive. Jot down 1 or 2 things every day you’re grateful for in your job and work life.
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