Skip, Skip, Skipping To Work – Part One
Today is National Skipping Day! Though, you don’t need a dedicated day to skip, or to partake in any other kind of exercise for that matter.
Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It’s the miracle cure we’ve always had, but for many of us, have neglected to take.
Regardless of your age, there is strong scientific evidence that participating in regular exercise can lead to a much healthier and happier lifestyle.
It’s medically proven that people who do regular physical activity will have the following health benefits:
- Control weight
- Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Reduce the risk of some cancers
- Reduce the risk of stroke
- Strengthen bones and muscles
- Improve mental health
- Improve self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy
- Improve the ability to do daily activities and prevent falls
- Increase the chance of living longer
People are less active nowadays and more and more of us are leading sedentary lifestyles. We drive cars or take public transport, machines wash our clothes, our pots and pans, hoover and wash floors and cut our grass. We entertain ourselves in front of televisions or computer screens. There are fewer people carrying out manual work, and most of us have jobs that don’t include some kind of physical effort. Work, house chores, shopping and other essential activities are far less challenging than ever before.
We are moving around less and burning off less energy than people used to. Research suggests that many adults spend more than seven hours a day sitting down, at work, on transport or in their leisure time.
Because of the health benefits of regular exercise, many companies are now introducing wellness programs into the workplace as this not only benefits the employee, but the organisation too.
The paybacks for the organisation include a higher level of productivity, employee retention, achievement, better peer relationships, and reduced absenteeism among others.
However, employees need to be engaged in such programs and just as importantly, maintain consistent participation.
Next week, we’ll look at some suggestions as to how organisations can get their employees engaged in a wellness program and how they can encourage employees to maintain their involvement.
If you would like any information about the importance of employee well-being and employee engagement within your organisation, then please contact us on +44 (0) 1255 850051.