More on mobility #bedeskfit

It dawned on me over the Christmas break that the ultimate fitness goal any of us should be striving for is mobility.  What's that mean?  When you're 32 and can move around freely, down to the ground, up off the ground, into our desk chair, out of the car etc it all seems fine.  But have you sat back to think what all this desk work could be doing to our bodies?  Have you watched a 60+ person getting up off the ground after playing with kids?  It's hard work.  And it can be prevented.  I'm coining a phrase (well, I think I am) #bedeskfit.  What does it mean?  As it says, keep yourself active both in the office and out, to ensure your longevity in our office and at home.

Ideas? What about #standup #shoesoffmeeting?  Walking meetings are a great idea, but in my team, we need to refer to material on a computer, so not that practical.  What do other people do that's inventive?

My next few blogs will look at desk stretches, the amount of breaks you should have and exercises that are appropriate to do in the office. 

#wellnowbrowncow

Move it or lose it!

We finish uni and reach that elusive goal - a corporate job in the big world.  But what happens?  We have KPI's and budgets, most of which require us to sit at our desk all day everyday in order to achieve those goals.  If we're not at our desks we are in a meeting or travelling.  What happens to our bodies?  Well they're simply not designed to sit, that's the simple truth.  The strength that we once had in our backs and glutes disipates over the years, impacting our health and mental wellbeing.  Even if we are active, often injuries sustained on a sports field or out running, can be tracked back to this new sedentary lifestyle we've signed up for.




What's my fix?  Movement.  And it just can't be for 30 minutes before or after work.  There has to be a cultural change in corporates.   Personally, I think they'd reap the benefits.  Stand up desks?  Compulsory.  Regular movement?  Encouraged.  Health and wellness?  Priortised.  All of this stuff - cut at the first sign of cost rationing.  It's not right.  Cut the birthday cakes and carb loaded lunches.
 
The result?  A fit and healthy workforce, with high motivation and enthusiasm for their work... and those KPI's.


What does your workplace do that's unique to encourage workplace wellness?  Do they offer free exercise classes? (yoga, pilates, meditation, bootcamp?)


#wellnowbrowncow

Just one goal

Why do new year's resolutions fail?  Probably because we're drunk when we make them, but more likely because they're unachievable or unrealistic.

How many were there?  What were the consequences?

My goal for you - set one goal.  Keep it simple.

Let's think about food (my strength and weakness depending on the day).  Break a bad habit for me.  I'll join you.  My habit?  Chocolate.  The really yummy part of life!!  No chocolate until the end of January.

Is it realistic?  My brain says yes, my gut says no (but, we will see who's in charge, won't we).  Is it achievable?  Totally.   What are the consequences?  All good.  I'll sleep better, won't feel guilty and most likely, my clothes will fit better.  Let's just think about January.

What's your food goal?

If you want to know more about goal setting, you can structure your resolutions using the S.M.A.R.T. goal setting model.  This model works in the corporate world, as well as your own world.

#wellnowbrowncow

The first one

Day 2 of 2017 and already I'm overwhelmed with 100's of 'new year resolution' options from Facebook.  My resolution?  Start a blog... tick.  How long it lasts for is another thing.

I'm reading "The Happiness Project", by Gretchen Rubin.  She sets herself a multitude of goals throughout the year with the view to determining 'what is happiness', what she can do to impact her happiness and those around her, as well as her own 'happiness' formula.

She made an astute point, we can't change or make others happy, but we can do something about ourselves.  Her project was broken down into the months of the year, with various goals identified each month.  Some stuck, some didn't.

My blog will explore various elements of wellness - physical, mental and relationships - and everything in between and on the other side.  These factors in my mind, play a critical role in our overall happiness, and those around us.  Join me on my journey - you never know, we might learn something! 

#wellnowbrowncow