Physical activity in the workplace: How to integrate it into everyday life

Many of us spend a large part of our working hours sitting down, and it can be difficult to find time to move and be physically active on our days off. Unfortunately, this sedentary work environment can have negative consequences for our health and wellbeing. Therefore, trying to integrate physical activity and movement into our daily routines can help improve our health and productivity.

Below you will find a number of suggestions on how to make physical activity a part of your everyday life.

Movement in everyday life

Add physical activity to tasks you already have to do: If you think about it, many of the activities we do throughout the day can be swapped out for more active alternatives. These may sound like small things, but they all count towards your overall activity level - and any movement is better than no movement.

Use stairs instead of the elevator

A simple change in your daily habits could be choosing the stairs instead of the elevator. Stairs are a great way to get your heart rate up and exercise your leg muscles. It may seem a bit overwhelming if your office is on the top floor, but try jumping off a few floors first. That way you can slowly work your way up.

The best position is next

Sitting still for too long can cause the body to lock up, and most people know the feeling that their lower back, lower back and neck get irritated after too much time in an office chair. Moving around can help, there's nothing wrong with sitting in one position - the important thing is to move around. If you've been sitting down for a long period of time, it's a good idea to raise your desk and stand for a while. This also forces the body to focus more on posture. Need guidance on how to set up your workplace? Check out this review or get professional advice at your workplace.

Plan walking meetings

Not all meetings need to be seated. Try scheduling meetings where you go for a walk. Not only is this good for your body, but it can also help increase creativity and flow in the conversation.

Make concrete agreements

It's often harder to cancel an agreed walk, active break or trip to the gym if it's something you've agreed with someone other than yourself. If you have a set schedule with your colleagues, you can motivate and hold each other accountable. One way to ensure this is by having a company gym.

Inspiration for physical activity in the workplace

At Health Group, we have extensive experience with physical activity in the workplace, and we are happy to advise you on how your workplace can become more active. Integrating physical activity into the workplace doesn't have to be difficult. By implementing some of the tips above, you can increase daily physical activity and achieve a healthier and more productive workday.

Remember, even small changes can make a big difference to your overall health and wellbeing. So get started today and make physical activity a natural part of your work routine.

See how Computersalg got more movement in everyday life - and reduced sick leave