Improving mental wellbeing in the workplace through movement
The challenges facing today’s workforce are well documented and dealing with depression and anxiety in the corporate world is increasingly commonplace due to increasing time and financial pressures.
In order for us to improve and maintain positive mental wellbeing there are some core habits we should try and implement in our day to day lives:
Time out, distraction, disassociation from stressful environments and change your thought processes.
Self-Mastery – feeling accomplished after succeeding at a task. Movement and exercise immediate the feeling of self-mastery.
Autonomy and self governance, to have the freedom of self-control. Breaking up your day with exercise and movement is your choice, which creates the feeling of autonomy which is key for psychological health.
Socialisation – spending time with others is a critical factor for improved mental wellbeing. This can be incorporated by going for a walk with a friend or colleague.
Self-efficacy – Our own capabilities to be successful at a task and to reach a desired outcome. This could be done by committing to a well-planned training plan.
Movement increases serotonin release which results in improved sleep cycles, pain reduction and improved sense of overall wellbeing. Endorphins are also released which boost the immune system, reduce sick days and postpone ageing.
Dopamine release also occurs during movement which leads to our sense of pleasure and satisfaction. And if you continue exercise for a lifetime the physical psychological benefits continue. This includes improved blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, increased oxygen delivery to the brain.
With the demands of hours, financial pressures and competition work can be a place of increasing stress. Because of this many companies are looking at health and wellness programs. However we still see instances where some companies think this translates to an office ‘step challenge’, boot camp, or yoga class.
There are so many more ways in which the workplace can help including educating staff on the benefits of activity, lowering desk time expectations for lower anxiety and depression from stress.
At Absolute Health & Performance we believe educating both employers and employees on the importance of movement is key. Time out each day leads to a happier and healthier workplace and ultimately a more successful business.
Written By Co-founder and Head Performance Coach David Smith