The National Association for Health & Fitness created Global Employee Health and Fitness Month as a way to promote physical activity and wellness in the workplace. Employers can take part in this exciting celebration by offering fun fitness-related opportunities. Here are some tips staff members should take advantage of when looking to improve their physical health:
Pay attention to how much you move
Many people are unaware how active they are naturally throughout the day. Nurses and administrative staff in senior living communities are often on their feet and may walk several miles per shift. Plus, other actions that go into helping patients, from assisting them in maneuvering from bed to a chair or even lifting supplies or other items, also offer great workouts. To really get a feel for how much they move, some people turn to fitness trackers. These devices can count the amount of steps the wearer takes, how well they are sleeping, the number of calories they are burning and more. For some people, seeing this data makes it easier to set and achieve fitness goals.
Take active breaks
Sometimes you may spend a lot of time sitting on the job. Completing tasks on a computer tends to place individuals in one posture for a long period of time. This can take a toll on the body, causing back pain and eye strain. To reduce the effects of sitting, get up and move. Instead of taking a break while sitting somewhere other than your office or desk area, go for a walk. Those who work in long-term care communities have the added bonus of many people on hand to enjoy a quick outing together. Grab another staff member to stroll with or see if a resident wants to head into the sunshine for a jaunt around the block. You’ll both benefit from the physical activity, and it’s nice to get your mind off work-related tasks for a little while.
Engage in a fitness plan
Exercising takes dedication, and many people find that they are more likely to commit to working out if they are following some sort of plan. This doesn’t mean you have to purchase an expensive gym membership or hire a personal trainer. Instead, “plan” refers to a promise to yourself that you’ll exercise a certain amount each week. You can take advantage of Global Employee Health and Fitness Month by using May to get started.
First, choose your preferred methods of physical activity. Then, decide when you will do them, like dedicating Wednesdays to yoga and Mondays and Fridays to running. Next, consider getting a friend or coworker involved. Having a workout buddy can greatly increase your likelihood of following through with each planned workout. You can also look to social media to engage in month-long challenges. Options like doing specific yoga poses every day, running regardless of the weather or even swimming can offer perfect motivation to get your workout in every day.
Your personal health affects how you work, so it’s important that you take care of your well-being. Getting fit is a wonderful way to help yourself both at home and on the job.
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