Walk, talk, and get fit!
Are you tired of sitting on your chair for hours staring at the computer screen? Have you missed the good old natural light and fresh air? Do you want to have healthier employees who are more productive and efficient at work?
Then it’s time to incorporate walking meetings into your office. Yes, you heard it right – Walking meetings are the new way to stay fit and focused while you work.
Walking Meetings: The Benefits
Read on to learn about some of the many benefits of walking meetings and how you can start implementing them in your workplace.
Improves Physical Health
Walking more throughout the day has shown to help curb the risks of numerous chronic illnesses, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Making walking a habit can have excellent health impacts. On average, walking for 30 minutes burns about 150 calories, which can help in maintaining a healthier body composition. Not to mention, walking promotes increased blood flow and even builds muscle memory! So, ditch that office chair and try walking meetings instead, for a healthier and more active lifestyle that you and your team will love.
Boosts Brain Power
Walking puts your brain into a mode of focused attention, improving creativity and problem-solving skills. Walking is also a major stress reliever resulting in enhanced mood and cognition. This sense of calmness and relaxation leads to better decision-making and productivity. And on top of this, walking more throughout the day gives your body and brain a much-needed break from being inside and sitting down all day long, increasing the quality of work and well-being.
Enhances Work Relationships
Sitting in a cubicle, communicating through emails, or messaging apps can be monotonous and impersonal. On the other hand, walking meetings offer a more relaxed and open opportunity for colleagues to connect and engage with each other, building stronger team collaboration and trust. Additionally, it can create new opportunities to get to know each other, which can bring in fresh ideas for work, resulting in efficient and better outcomes.
Increases Energy
Stop relying on caffeine and get your butt moving! Walking meetings help improve energy and provide the necessary respite from prolonged sitting. Sitting for too long, especially without any breaks, decreases blood flow and circulation leading to lowered energy and sluggishness. By taking your meetings on the go, you are giving yourself and your team a much-needed break, increasing liveliness and allowing for more sustained energy throughout the day.
Conclusion
Incorporating walking meetings into your office culture, will not only benefit your physical health but also the overall well-being of your staff. It promotes an active lifestyle, improves intellectual and creative thinking, enhances relationships and trust among colleagues while providing energy that is easily accessible and free. This simple change can result in an engaged and healthier work environment that we all aspire to have. So, grab a water bottle, put on those walking shoes, and head out for your next meeting in the open air!
Resources
https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/physical-activity-brain-health/index.html
https://www.wellbeing.iastate.edu/resources/group-walks/walking-meetings
