6 tips for prioritising wellness at work
Creating a healthy work environment for your body and mind
We spend most of our lives at work, and, with the increasing ‘work from home’ culture in the wake of covid-19, there has never been a better time to prioritise your wellbeing at work. So, what does wellness in the modern workforce look like today? Read on for our top tips for creating a healthy work environment for your body and mind in 2024…
Here at The Lensbury, we are on hand to help you and your team put their wellness first with complimentary wellness activities as part of your next meeting or event – learn more about our complimentary wellness activities, here.
Fresh air
During the long months of the pandemic, millions of us turned to nature as a way of dealing with the effects of lockdown and there is no reason to stop now. Research supports the link between fresh air and its positive impact on mental health. Instead of sitting at your desk (home or office) at lunch, opt for a brisk 10–15-minute walk to help refresh your mind and body. It will relieve daily stress and boost your mood, leaving you feeling happier and more energised throughout the day. Why not try setting an alarm around lunch time?
Fitness
Whether you enjoy a calming yoga session or a heart-pumping exercise class, the benefits of fitness for your mental and physical health are endless!
Too busy or just too tired to work out after work? Many businesses are now building fitness opportunities into their employee benefits package as a way of increasing employee efficiency and satisfaction. If this is a perk you already have access to why not try working out at work? If not, schedule some time in with the decision makers – you’ve got nothing to lose. Access to exercise facilities in the workplace removes many of the barriers to exercise.
“Get your colleagues involved! Sharing your fitness journey will increase your chances of success and you are also likely to have more fun working out, it’s a win-win,” says Leon Williams, Fitness Manager at The Lensbury Club.
Maintaining a healthy diet
Eating a balanced diet does much more for your mental health than you might think. However tempting it may be, try to avoid making unhealthy snacks and fast foods your go-to food during a busy day. Although unhealthy foods may provide a temporary boost of energy (when you need it) they will lead to a ‘crash’ which can make you feel tired, irritable and reduce brain function.
Marc Petit, Head Chef at The Lensbury recommends starting your day with a nutritious breakfast, followed by slow-release carbohydrates such as brown rice, whole grain bread, and fresh fruit and vegetables for lunch. Stay hydrated – always keep a bottle of water on your desk throughout the day!
Mindfulness
Mental and physical wellness go hand in hand. Think of mindfulness as a way to train your mind to stay still. Most of the time, our minds are wandering —thinking about the past or future, worrying about a deadline, or the next meeting which can cause anxiety. Stop for a moment, wherever you are, close your eyes, and take a deep breath in, calm your senses, and breathe out.
Organise your desk
Ever heard of the saying “tidy desk, tidy mind”? If the thought of organising your desk seems too impossible a task, it could be a sign that your workspace is doing more damage than you might think. A cluttered desk can make you feel stressed, disorganised, and ultimately affect your mental health. Make it a priority to tidy up your desk once a week and you should see some of the stress start to alleviate.
Take a break
Have you been carrying your holidays over to the new year? It might be time to set your ‘out-of-office’ on. Taking time off from work is an integral part of maintaining a good work-life balance and has been proven to have a positive impact on your overall health. Studies have shown that employees who take annual leave are more motivated, experience less stress, and show an increase in productivity levels. Give your body and mind a well-deserved break to re-charge and recuperate and you’ll soon begin to reap the benefits.
Let us take care of your team’s wellness with a complimentary wellness activity as part of your next meeting or event at The Lensbury. Choose from a range of wellness activities to help boost morale, increase productivity and improve your company’s wellness. Click here to view details of our latest wellness meeting offer or Get in touch with our team to find out more.