7 Ways For Employees To Lead An Active Lifestyle

Sustaining an active lifestyle has become more vital than ever as it has numerous health benefits.

It is about improving your quality of life. Eating healthy and constantly stimulating the mind and body to lead a happy life.

Today, health and wellness have become a more integral part of organizations. Employees who lead an active lifestyle are more productive and attentive at work. They have higher energy levels at work.

Why Encourage Employees To Take Up An Active Lifestyle?

A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world.
– Paul Dudley White (1886-1973)

Research shows that a sedentary lifestyle can cause detrimental health effects on adults above 50. This is because inactivity often increases the chances of diseases, hospitalizations, doctor visits, etc.

Only if you start changing your habits today by your 50s you can stay healthy. This is why an living actively is necessary to lead a balanced life.

Today's employees are indirectly prone to embrace sedentary lifestyles. They are getting used to staying behind their computer screens and remaining seated for long hours. Technology is also responsible for changing the working habits and lifestyle of employees.

Significantly it has contributed to an inactive lifestyle leading to increasing conditions of physical and behavioral health. Choices you make, like unhealthy eating patterns, real-time engagement issues, and less awareness of well-being, are becoming very common.

Even though people are aware of the consequences, they feel less motivated to take up an agile lifestyle. So, it is time for organizations to encourage and motivate employees to improve their habits.

Related: Employee Health: A Vital Factor For Workplace Productivity

Benefits Of An Active Lifestyle-

1. Improves physical health

Exercise increases your overall health and sense of well-being, putting more pep in your step every day.
– Mayo Clinic

An active lifestyle helps you become better and more dynamic in all aspects of your life. As lifestyle choices are changing, which also includes food addiction that can further lead to heart disease, obesity, etc.

Well, switching to a good habits is crucial. You can always start with 7 minutes of workout every day. Thus, being fit not only implies strength training or losing weight. But, it has multiple benefits;

• Helps in weight loss
• Reduces stress level
• Improves body harmony
• Maintains a healthy heart
• Improves concentration
• Builds a stronger immune system
• Increases energy and motivation
• Makes the bones and muscles stronger
• Reduces risk of cancer and diabetes
• Improves blood pressure
• Increases metabolism
• Creates an opportunity to socialize
• Increased confidence and improved body image

2. Enhances cognitive well-being

The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.
– Siddartha Guatama Buddha

Workplaces that promote mental health are less likely to have problems like absenteeism, unproductivity, etc. According to WHO, depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year in lost productivity.

But, you can beat such health conditions and enhance your cognitive well-being. Taking care of your cognitive well-being will increase your;

• Confidence and self-esteem
• Make you feel more generous
• Help you sleep well
• Make you feel confident
• Improve your decision-making abilities
• Keep all kinds of emotions under control
• Reduce stress, anxiety and depression

Related: 5 Ways To Rebuild Emotional Agility In The Workplace

3. Boosts Mood

It's been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.
– L.M. Montgomery

A good mood is integral to winning over a hectic day. Employees in a good mood can be more productive, perform better, and be real team players at work. Employees also like to approach and learn from a happy and empathetic co-workers.

Therefore, emphasizing positive emotion is important for positive work culture and growth. Being physically and emotionally drained can cause absenteeism, burnout, etc.

It would be best for every employee to track their moods at mood meters regularly. Also, analyze and work on improving it too. A mood meter in a corporate wellness app can help employees track and improve it.

Employees must exercise, meditate, read, follow their passion, indulge in mindfulness activities, and see if it works wonders.

4. Makes you more mindful

Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience.
– Jon Kabat Zinn

21st-century life is filled with hustle and bustle. And accomplishing certain tasks often becomes difficult when the mind is preoccupied with negative thoughts. However, you can always overcome negative moments by being more mindful.

Mindfulness promotes resilience. It is an act of consciously focusing on the present moment without judgment. Besides, it expands your belief and ability to recover and embrace life.

Also, in workplaces, being mindful helps easily complete the most complicated task. So, preserve mindfulness as an element of personal and professional growth at organizations.

5. Revitalize spiritual wellness

Spiritual wellness is being connected to something greater than yourself and having a set of values, principles, morals, and beliefs that provide a sense of purpose and meaning to life, then using those principles to guide your actions.
– Unknown

Spiritual well-being is the well-being of your inner self. It is like a mirror to your inner soul and how well you are doing spiritually. You can always improve your overall well-being by including some spiritual wellness techniques into your daily routine.

It is because a well-balanced life is vital to thrive through the chaos of personal and work life. Here are a few ways to enhance your spiritual well-being:

• Practice Yoga and Meditation
• Focus on vibrational energy
• Try sound healing methods
• Be more compassion and practice gratitude
• Rejuvenate your mind through journaling
• Take a break, spend time with nature and pets, otherwise; volunteer or socialize more
• Make your mondays mindful

Related: Holistic Employee Wellness: A Modern Blueprint for Thriving Workplaces

6. Best Way To Unplug

Life is what happens between social media scrolls and your self-doubt.
– Unknown

If you ever planned to exit the loop of social media apps, please do it now. Social media disconnects you from your natural surroundings, consuming more time and energy. It also reduces your creative skills and mindfulness.

So, make a plan to quit. Take time to participate in physical and mental activities. Engaging in regular physical activity can help you develop more positivity in life.

Therefore, digital detox is crucial to connect to yourself. Become more mindful and healthy. And develop better connections with co-workers at work.

7. Compliments social skills

The human body has been designed to resist infinite changes and attacks brought about by its environment. The secret of good health lies in successful adjustment to changing stresses on the body.
– Harry J. Johnson

Employees enjoy life better when they are free from physical and mental constraints. Developing your social skills help improve your communication skills. Social skills also boost confidence to engage in activities that improve your well-being.

Communication, empathy, interpersonal skills, and active listening are healthy for professional growth. These skills can uplift your health behavior, enhancing teamwork and cooperation at work.

Related: 81 Self-Motivation Quotes To Balance A Perfect Professional And Personal Life

Tips For Employers to Motivate Employees For Participate In An Active Way Of Living

• Introduce corporate wellness plan and a exercise program.
• Encourage employees to engage in an exercise-based lifestyle.
• Consider providing a health expert or coach at the organization.
• Provide regular therapy or counseling sessions to employees.
• Conduct walkathons and other physical activity challenges.
• Conduct weekly surveys on employee well-being.

• Spread mental health awareness and positive health messages.
• Organize events that help employees engage in all kinds of sports activities.
• Keep a room journal or records with cognitive exercises and games for those who love to keep themselves engaged in such activities during breaks.
• Promote a healthy lifestyle among employees using an all-in-one corporate wellness app like; Vantage fit.

Bottom Line

Maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for enhancing physical and mental health. Regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health, build muscle strength, and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

In addition, being active can improve mood, and enhance cognitive function, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

Furthermore, it can help employees maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity-related health issues. Adopting an active lifestyle can benefit both the individual and the organization. It can lead to a healthier and more engaged workforce.

FAQs

1. How much exercise do I need for this lifestyle?

The amount of exercise required for an active lifestyle can vary depending on individual factors such as age, gender, and overall health. However, experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week, in addition to muscle-strengthening activities, at least two days per week.

2. What types of activities are considered part of it?

An active lifestyle can include various physical activities, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, Yoga, team sports, etc. It is necessary to choose activities that are enjoyable and sustainable to ensure long-term adherence.

3. How can I incorporate physical activity into my daily routine?

Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine is as simple as taking a brisk walk during your lunch break, cycling to work, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Other strategies include:

• Scheduling 30 minutes time for exercise.
• Finding an exercise buddy.
• Trying new activities to keep things interesting and enjoyable.