Move It, Move It! How Movement Can Help You Beat Stress!
- Out of the Box Advisors
- Jul 4, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 27, 2023
Feeling stressed? A little over-worked? All work and no play? Then it's time to MOVE!
There isn't a faster, legal way to get those good brain chemicals (endorphins) up than actual movement. And no, before you think it, we’re not telling you take up running. Running can be great, but you know what else is great? Walking. Hiking. Skipping. Dancing. Arm wrestling. Hacky sack? Doesn’t anyone play hacky sack anymore?!
You get our point. Anything that gets the blood moving. Especially when you’re stuck in the office.
Here are a few simple steps to keep those endorphins flowing and brain working.
Just Get Up and Move Already!
Set an alarm on your phone. Maybe every two hours or hour or so get up and walk your memo to another office in lieu of email? Notice some memos piling up? Deliver ‘em. Same thing with mail. Walk it about the office.
A simple example would be to use the Apple Health app thats built into your iPhone / Watch. Using the built in settings, you can tell it to remind you to move at intervals that work best for you and your office. Using apps to track and remind you of activity is a proven way to ensure you actually do it, plus it'll help your happiness, but also your business and your team's efficiency.
With COVID in our rear view, office life may be much different than it used to be. If you are working from home or maybe a local coffee shop, then get up and walk around the block or down the hall and back.
Either way, make sure that you're up and about moving in some way every so often. This can break the monotony of the day plus get some things moving physiologically. This can easily be a way to reduce your stress load and allow you to tackle problems or work more efficiently!
Rise & Shine: Become the Early Bird!
This one is likely to be a real struggle for most people. But, getting up earlier than you're norm and injecting some movement before your day can do wonders. It's best if you work up a little sweat and earn some endorphins, but even a light walk or similar can have huge payouts. Doing literally anything extra, movement wise, will change your psyche of the day!
If you’re one of those morning folks that wakes up like Cinderella ready to tackle the day, get up a little earlier and go for a brisk walk. Show up the neighbors as they groggily stumble to their cars. Be that overachiever that you've always given that hard glare.
However, If you're looking for a way to get awake in a more subtle and relaxing way, as opposed to that "BLARP BLARP BLARP!," you can try out something like the Hatch Restore gentle alarm clock. This clock not only has a programable sleep cycle and dimming light, but it also has a slowly increasing light to gently wake you like the sun would!
Becoming the early bird will help you feel more fulfilled with each and every day. By having the thought in your mind that you're just starting work, but you've ALREADY accomplished something for the day... man, that really feels great. It's even better if you worked up a sweat and checked the workout box for the day.
Afternoon Delight: Earn Post-Lunch Energy
Not a morning peep? We feel you. But, let's change that!
Instead of hunched over your desk for lunch, how about trying to get in a little action (we meant a WALK, get your mind out of the gutter!) Make it something you stick to, though. Keeping it part of your schedule will keep it going.
Meal prepping for a work lunch is always great for your health and your productivity, but if that isn't your thing try an alternative. You can plan your weekly lunches at several places around the office that are within walking distance. Then on each day, you sneak your walk in by going to each place!
Sneaking in some movement around lunch-ish is a proven way to overcome that 3 o'clock hump that everyone battles. While everyone else has their eyes swollen and half closed, you'll be cranking out productivity.
Our bodies are not meant to just sit and look at screens all day. It’s just not healthy for our bodies or our minds. Keep in mind we are not suggesting this JUST for a healthier lifestyle, but it can have measurable impacts on the success of your business. With a clearer mind you will be much more prepared to handle the stressed of the day!
So if you’re looking to add a healthier lifestyle to your office think, outside the box then give us a call. We can help you implement some easy and fun ways to keep the office morale up and working!
Comentarios