Moving Matters - A Walk to Work
- Mar 9, 2024
- 4 min read
We may already realise that we need to move more, it keeps us healthy in mind and body, but who can find the time? How might we build a walk into a busy work day and more importantly - why should we?
Experts have discovered that fitting in a walk of 25 minutes or more in the middle of the day, even if it's just around your business park, will help you feel better, and have a much more productive afternoon. A Stanford University study showed that 100 percent of those tested, who walked outside were able to generate at least one high-quality, novel analogy, compared to 50 percent of those seated inside. I’ve been trying this for myself lately, and I have to say it does work. The 3 o’clock blues - where I feel a chocolate bar or a cake is a necessary pick-me-up to get the job finished, has vanished. Instead, I create happy memories of a lunchtime spent in nature or with friends.
Other business experts believe that if you have a conflict to resolve then going for a walk is much better than sitting across the table from one another. According to Greater Good in Science from UC Berkley, taking a walk will synchronise your step with your colleague, helping you to have a more constructive opportunity to exchange ideas. United in the common purpose of the walk, and with plenty of opportunity to break from the discussion, outcomes are generally better for all involved.
If you are working from home, a walk might be a great point in the day to connect with your family, without having to look at the pile of dirty dishes or washing, which can make you feel you are failing, no matter how epic your workday is. Plus you won’t be tempted to waste important work time putting your domestic life in order before work if you are out on a walk.
A great resource for organisations of all sizes is the Workplace Walking Toolkit from Paths for All. It's well worth taking a look and if you like it you can take it to your organisation!
Lately, when I hit that wall, usually at about 3 pm; I can’t quite get out what I need creatively or figure out why a program isn’t working. Getting up from the desk and getting outside, even if it’s just to sit on the swing for five minutes with a cuppa, helps me to get where I need to be with my work. The dogs are always pleased to see me too. I generally return to my desk, invigorated, and better able to finish the task at hand at a much better pace.
Another great way to build walking into your business day is when you go to that meeting leave the car at home.
If your meeting is too far away, you could park some distance from your destination, and enjoy the surroundings that the person you’re meeting sees every day. As well as the great exercise you’ll get, you’ll also have a better understanding of their world and perhaps a better connection at the meeting.
If you’re not looking for a change of mental state from a walk, then a Walk-and-Talk might work well for you. Take your phone and headphones, and you can continue making phone calls, writing emails, presentations et cetera. For typing, hit the microphone button on the keyboard. Then you use your voice and not your fingers, as I’m doing now. It's a good way to rest tired hands. It's not a break but you are changing state.
A Walk for Good
If you have a neighbour who is at home with a new baby, you could arrange to take the baby for a walk. This gives Mum a much-needed break, and you the opportunity to be next to a tiny human, something which can be joyful. Or if you’ve got an elderly neighbour who can no longer get out alone, taking them out in a chair could be a real lifeline for them. Plus you'll learn all kinds of things as you chat with them too.
If you'd like to walk with a pet, remember it doesn’t have to be a dog. I have a neighbour who regularly walks his Shetland pony past my door. A friend of my daughter regularly takes his pet boa constrictor to the park. It draws a crowd and the snake seems to enjoy it, weather permitting of course. My aunt used to take her Siamese cat on a yellow harness and lead with a bell to local beauty spots. It seemed normal, and the cat used to love it. If you do want to take a dog, perhaps your neighbour's pooch would like an extra walk, do ask first though!
If you live relatively near to shops, you could use the walk to help you complete errands; take the post, pick up potatoes for dinner, or get that wiper blade you’ve been meaning to buy for weeks.
Getting a Walking Habit
Could you schedule some regular walks so that you get variety a few times each week? Perhaps a nature walk to combat Monday blues, a wellness walk with colleagues on Wednesdays, and a pre-pub stroll to the pub on Fridays. The most important part of walking, is the pleasure it brings you so always keep in mind your real goal is to help you feel better.
After a few weeks of walking, not driving becomes a habit. I hardly ever get the car out now to go to town, I very much enjoy my walks and I don't worry about parking charges. Some of which are to the pub with friends, which is always pleasant.
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