Take a step toward a healthier daily routine at work 

“Limit the amount of time you spend sitting still.” That’s one of the Danish Health Authority’s recommendations for physical activity. But of course, this can be difficult to do in a busy daily routine, especially if you have a job where you sit in an office most of the day. Fortunately, something as simple as taking a walk can go a long way.

Walking reduces the risk of illness

Although it sounds very simple, walking has several positive health benefits. Walking can help reduce the risk of a number of diseases, such as dementia and blood clots, while also strengthening your heart and increasing your daily calorie burn.

In fact, a study shows that increasing the number of steps you take each day can reduce your risk of death. The study also shows that the greatest benefit comes from increasing your daily step count to around 10,000 steps a day, after which the benefits level off. So there are plenty of good reasons to lace up your shoes and get moving!

If you're up for trying to increase your step count, you might want to give some of the specific suggestions below a try.

Walk-and-talk meetings

Unless your meetings during the day require you to sit and stare at a screen, “walk-and-talk” meetings can be a great way to get in some extra steps and exercise during your day. This could involve phone calls or meetings with your colleagues where you can take a short walk.

Walk-and-talk meetings are a way to get more steps into your daily routine

Increase your daily activity, one small step at a time

Even though it might not seem like much right now, you can actually make a difference by making a few small changes at work. For example, you could take the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther away from the entrance, or walk over to a colleague’s desk instead of calling them.

It might not add up to many extra steps if you look at each activity on its own, but taken together, it can help increase the total number.

Take a walk during your lunch break

Why not get a group together and go for a walk while you eat lunch? That way, you can all increase your step count together and get some fresh air. This is good for your mental health, but it’s also a great way to get a few more steps in.

Organize or participate in contests at work

One way to stay motivated to increase daily activity is to compete with your coworkers. You can set up challenges to see who can take the most steps at work. This can help retain employees and increase daily activity levels.

Do you need some more inspiration?

At Acture, we have extensive experience in helping companies across the country increase their activity levels. We’d be happy to come out and help you create the conditions for more physical activity in your daily routine. So don’t hesitate to contact us today!