Active in the Workplace: A Key to Success

Ever been stuck in a confined office space whether it be at home or at the workplace and feel the need to stretch, move or just go for a walk? These could be signs that maybe you’ve been sitting for too long.

Does your neck, upper back or shoulders ache at the end of the day? Has this been persisting for longer than a week? Perhaps a regular structured mobility plan can be incorporated into your working day to help increase productivity without leaving your office environment!

We all know that regular exercise keeps you healthy, but regular exercise can also increase productivity in all aspects of your working life.

Exercise has been shown to reduce stress, combat fatigue, improve performance and reduce annual workplace absences. Exercise, a natural stress reducer, is a great tool to utilise for those who work in stressful environments.

It can also improve your sleep quality, which in turn allows you to wake well rested and refreshed to conquer your day ahead. Big companies like Nike and Google have scheduled exercise breaks and workplace gyms so their employees who spend a large amount of time at a desk are more active.

The results of this change have been outstanding, with results showing a boost productivity and reduction in sick days.

The reason for this success can be explained on a more scientific level. Exercise excites the part of your brain known as the hippocampus.

Not only does exercise moderate blood sugar levels and keep oxygen levels high, feeding the brain, it releases endorphins into the body giving your mood a boost. Low intensity exercise has shown to change the size and area of the brain involved in memory and learning.

When it comes to the topic of the greatest complaint by desk workers, it’s always a pain in the neck! The human head weighs up to 5kgs and when leaning forward at a 45 degree angle (think about looking at your laptop) there is up to 23kgs of pressure on the cervical spine. Regular movement and or exercise to help keep the neck, shoulders and spine mobile has proven to reduce symptoms of stiffness and achiness.

So what exercise is best at improving workplace productivity and reducing overall discomfort of sedentary working behaviour? Yoga, walking and low intensity aerobic exercises are the recommended options. Not to say other forms of exercises don’t have benefits, but keep in mind the office environment is limited!