Why you should move for your mind
A new study by ASICS for World Mental Health Day has found that wellbeing starts to decline after just two hours of continuous desk-based working – but there’s a very easy way to reverse it.
Tell me more!
Adding 15 minutes of movement into your working day can help reverse the negative effects of desk-based working, according to ASICS’ Desk Break Experiment. Workers reported an improved mental state – with lower stress levels and increased productivity – as well as feeling more relaxed and resilient.
Dr Brendon Stubbs from King’s College London, who oversaw the research, said his team was “surprised” at just how powerful 15 minute movement breaks are, adding: “it even changed people’s perceptions of their workplace for the better”. 79.2% of participants said they would be more loyal to their employers if offered regular movement breaks.
Makes sense! So what should we do about it?
They say that practice makes perfect – and there’s no better time to start trying out movement breaks than for World Mental Health Day. What’s more, ASICS is donating £5 to the mental health charity MIND for each image shared of an empty desk with the hashtag #DeskBreak.
And if you need an extra incentive, Brian Cox – AKA the world’s scariest boss – has issued a PSA on the importance of desk breaks:
Isn’t it also down to employers, though?
You bet. While the research shows the benefits of 15 minute desk breaks, employers must also create an environment that makes workers feel they are able to take them. As a result, ASICS UK has introduced the first employee contract with a Desk Break clause – and it’s called on other businesses to follow. If you’re an employer and want to incorporate this into your workplace, check out the guide section on the Desk Break website. Otherwise…