We all need to be reminded to move and to think up of different ways to help ourselves do so. It is important to make sure we get enough movement during the day.

More and more people are now working from home which is proving great for their cars and lost commute time, but not for their bodies. There are estimated to be 44% of people doing some type of hybrid work approach in the UK and Ireland but with this big change in approach to work has also come a change in our movement patterns.

The more you move your body every day, the more your body will thank you for it!  Have you ever noticed your sleep pattern going completely out of routine when you don’t move? The tendency is to want to move less on days where we are busy at the desk but the reality is that adding in movement will help sleep.

Here’s Five Ways to Move your Body:

1. Stand to attention! If your job has you sitting for long periods of time, try to stand for portions of the day. Next time you’re brainstorming in the office, try standing! It can help you focus! Try putting your laptop on a high counter to have meetings standing rather than sitting.

2. When you’re waiting for the kettle to boil during your coffee break, take that time to do a little movement. Stretch out your legs and arms. A few stretches will really help you before you head back to your desk.

3. Take at least a 15 minute walk during your lunch break – make it brisk to get the blood pumping. Ideally meet someone to walk with, introducing a walking pal will make you far more likely to do it.

4. When you’re on a call, consider whether you can put the headphones in and take the call whilst strolling.

5. Put a reminder in your work calendar to get up every hour for 10 minutes and stand or stretch.

These are small but very effective ways to get some movement back into your day.  We also burn more calories just by standing as opposed to sitting!

All movement counts and by making just some small changes, can have a really positive knock-on effect.  You will sleep better, have a better appetite and you will have more energy, not less! To quote Alanis Morrissette, “Isn’t it ironic” that the less we move, the more tired we become?

Now if you’re wondering if you’re moving enough during the day, try this great tip:  Do you ever notice your hands and feet start to get cold when you’re sitting down? Well before you rush to throw the heat on again, get up and do a few jumping jacks/shake out your hands and feet and just move around for a few minutes. Feeling cold in your extremities (hands, nose and feet) can be a sign that the blood needs to move around the body more.

Want to know more about SAOL Workplace Wellbeing? Talk to us today!