How to use physical activity to reduce workplace anxiety
Boosting mental wellbeing through physical activity
Physical activity can be anything, from a quick walk to team sports—anything which gets your heart pumping and your body moving. It's not just good for your body, but it's also great for your mind. Exercise helps you feel less anxious by releasing endorphins, which are chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. This helps you feel happier and less stressed.
Benefits of physical activity in the workplace
Incorporating physical activity into the workplace presents numerous benefits, including:
Lowering stress: When work gets too much because of tight deadlines and lots of tasks, it can make people feel burned out. Exercise gives people a chance to relax and take a break, which helps lower stress and anxiety. Engaging in physical activity allows individuals to step away from their desks, clear their minds, and recharge, leading to reduced levels of stress and anxiety. This break not only refreshes the body but also rejuvenates the mind, enabling people to return to their tasks with renewed focus and energy.
Boosting creativity: Exercising, even a little bit, can help clear your head, making it easier to come up with new ideas and solve problems. It has the power to declutter your mind, opening up pathways for fresh ideas and innovative solutions to emerge. As you engage in physical activity, the increased blood flow and oxygenation to the brain enhance cognitive functions, making it easier to break through mental barriers and think outside the box. This mental clarity gained from regular workouts can be especially beneficial for individuals navigating through challenging situations or seeking creative inspiration. Whether you're solving complex problems at work or looking for a spark of creativity, incorporating exercise into your routine can provide the mental edge you need.
Improving teamwork: Doing activities together, like sports or group exercises, can help everyone work better together. It builds the feeling of being part of a team. When we share challenges and achieve goals together, it strengthens our bonds and teaches us to support each other. This can make a big difference in how we interact with our team, not just during the activity, but also at work. It encourages open communication, mutual respect, and a sense of community.
Regulating emotions: Exercise is a great way to deal with emotions. It can help you feel less sad or worried. When you move and get active, it can make you feel happier and calm your worries. It's like when you're running, dancing, or even walking, you're not just working out your muscles—you're giving your feelings a place to go. This is especially true for those feeling overwhelmed or stressed. By setting aside time for physical activity, you're taking a positive step towards managing your emotions, clearing your mind, and finding a sense of peace. Whether it's a quiet jog in the park or a lively dance class, exercise offers a break from the hustle and bustle, allowing you to recharge and face challenges with a refreshed outlook.
Improving the workplace: When a job encourages staying active, it shows they care about the health of their employees. This makes for a nicer and more understanding place to work. It creates an environment where people feel valued and understood, boosting morale and job satisfaction. This kind of supportive workplace encourages teamwork and communication, as employees bond over shared activities and wellness goals. Ultimately, promoting physical activity is a win-win for both the employer and the employees, leading to a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce.
How to include physical activity into your daily work routine
Incorporating physical activity into the workplace doesn’t need to be complicated. Simple initiatives can include:
Group activities: Doing things together like yoga in the morning before work or walking during lunch helps get everyone involved and makes people feel more like a team. These group exercises create an atmosphere of friendship and mutual support, where everyone is working towards common goals of health and wellbeing. As a result, people tend to feel more connected and committed to each other, which can positively impact collaboration and communication in other areas of work or life.
Flexible work times: Letting people take some time to go to the gym or do activities outside during work hours can make them more likely to keep active. This not only demonstrates an organisation's commitment to the wellbeing of its staff but also empowers individuals to integrate exercise seamlessly into their daily routines. Such a supportive work environment can lead to increased energy levels, improved focus, and higher productivity among employees.
Moving more: Suggesting that people take the stairs instead of the elevator, or have meetings where everyone stands up, adds more movement to the day. These simple shifts in routine not only inject more movement into the day but also promote a culture of health and activity within the workplace or community. Over time, these small actions can lead to better health outcomes and increased energy levels.
Helpful environment: Having things like a gym near work or sharing information about exercise classes nearby can make it easier for everyone to join in on the action. This approach not only encourages a healthier lifestyle but also fosters a community spirit, as colleagues may find common interests and motivate each other to stay active. Additionally, by making these resources readily available, employers underscore the importance of health and wellness within the company culture.
Introduce physical activity to your day to day
Making exercise a part of the workday to help with stress is more than just a healthy choice, it's a smart way to create a stronger, united, and tough team. When workplaces include exercise in their daily routine, they help everyone do their best, making both individuals and the whole team feel better. Moving ahead, putting a focus on staying active and healthy at work will be important for dealing with today's work challenges.
If you or someone you know needs help to find a place of employment that understands the importance of health and wellbeing, including the benefits of incorporating exercise into the workday, Disability Employment Services can provide that support. DES providers work closely with employers and participants to create supportive work environments that prioritise health and wellbeing, recognising that a healthy team is a productive and happy team.
If finding a supportive work environment where staying active is encouraged is crucial for you, then exploring opportunities with support organisations like DES providers could be the step forward you need. Through services like this, you can connect with employers who are committed to the wellness of their employees, ensuring that you find a role where you can thrive both professionally and personally.