Moving more has been shown to improve concentration, aid memory, speed up learning and lower stress. All these factors contribute to our ability to perform at our fullest potential at work.
Moving more also has a positive impact on our mental health, and as The CEO Magazine Global has reported, “People who have stronger mental resilience can persevere for longer. Stresses associated with a busy workplace are inevitable, but it is our ability to stick with something in the face of setbacks that is the true indication of success.”
This month, why not challenge yourself to move more with my ‘Move More, Perform Better’ work resource - a 31-day calendar with quick and simple, yet powerful ways for moving more, whether you're in the office, working from home or out and about.
You can also share my resource with your colleagues so everyone can be inspired to move more while dealing with the intensity of their workdays.
"Movement helps you to think, learn and problem-solve better, plus it improves your memory."
- Heidi Dening
Easy ways to move move at work
- Move or stretch once an hour
- Hold a walking meeting
- Add steps to your day, park further away
- Walk while on the phone
- Take the stairs to another floor’s bathroom
- Do ankle circles or flex them up and down to improve circulation
- Use the rubbish bin furthest from your desk
- Stand during meetings and presentations
- Whenever there is an option to take the stairs, take them
- Do partial squats while waiting for the kettle to boil
- Do calf raises while waiting for the microwave
- Use technology to remind yourself to stand up
- Join an exercise class at lunchtime
- Do a blocky (walk around the block) once a day
- Setup your step counter on your smartphone and check it daily
- Stand while in a Zoom meeting
- Do upper body stretches while reading emails
- Find a buddy and move more with them
- Work on your balance with single leg stance
- Stretch your wrists, arms and neck after long hours of typing
- Walk to get more water and stay hydrated throughout the day
