Stop and breathe

Running between meetings, eating breakfast on the go and even bounding down the escalator in a bid to catch the fast approaching train, despite the fact the one behind it is just three minutes away too – I’m certainly guilty of it, are you?   

Often it takes a holiday or a New Year’s resolution to break the habit of a hectic daily routine and remind oneself to stop. And breathe.

So where does your own health and wellbeing come in to your daily working equation?

There are many steps that an employer can take to support the health and wellbeing of its staff. This could range from creating a low-stress working environment and promoting adequate rest breaks, to recognition and reward schemes, and team building activities.

Outside of the workplace, research shows that it’s the seemingly simple things such as eating healthily, exercising regularly and gaining enough sleep that can most positively affect a person’s health and wellbeing. While these factors appear to be things for the individual to take action on, employers can support staff too.

For me, when I’m busy, it is often exercise that takes a backseat – although trying to build it into my commute itself by running between the station and work, for example, has helped in the past.

This morning a yoga class was hosted in the office. For me, this illuminated the time it would have taken me to get to a class and back to my desk, and gave me no excuse for missing a class that, if I’m honest, I’ve been meaning to return to for quite some time.

Arriving at my desk feeling fresh, relaxed and stretched, I certainly felt prepared to face the day ahead.

What health and wellbeing initiatives are available in your workplace? Or is there anything that you wish was on offer? 

Image credit: Getty