Perk Up Your Journey to Work: Get Active on Your Commute

In a previous post, we discussed how to be more productive in the workplace - but what about making the most of your journey into work? While it can be very tempting to stay in bed for an extra 20 minutes and take the car to work, getting active out in the open air can have huge benefits to your health - not to mention setting a good example for your staff.

The stats

In a long-running study carried out by the University of East Anglia (UEA), researchers questioned almost 18,000 commuters from around the UK on their preferred method of transport. Their results found that, while 73% of people travelled to work by car, those who walked or cycled generally had a higher level of well-being. With the World Health Organisation (WHO) claiming that, in the UK alone, obesity figures are set to rise to 74% for men and 64% for women, there’s no better time to take action.  

Take a hike

If you work at a desk and drive to and from work every day, it’s unlikely that you spend much time walking - and this can have disastrous effects on your health. From fitness to posture, spending too much time sitting is bad for your body - but there are things you can do to shake up your routine. Getting active doesn’t have to mean an hour in the gym every night after work, as small changes to your lifestyle can mean big rewards. If walking to work every day isn’t feasible, start small and leave the car at home once or twice a week. If you live miles away from the office and use public transport to commute, try getting off the bus a stop earlier and walking the rest of the way to work.  

On your bike

While cycling is a less practical mode of transport in the cold, wet winter months, it’s the perfect way to embrace the warmer seasons. Cycling to work will not only give you a chance to enjoy the sunshine and take in the scenery as you ride, but also help you to get fit at the same time. Better yet, taking your bike to work will also be easy on your wallet. Driving or taking public transport into work may seem like the easiest option, but it can be costly - whereas cycling won’t cost you a penny. As well as improved physical health, getting active can also have a positive impact on your mental health and brain activity - which is, of course, essential in the workplace. Whether it’s once a week or every day, taking a greener journey to work helps you to make a statement about your business - as well as a commitment to both your environment and your employees.   If you want to encourage productivity in the workplace, make sure your staff stay hydrated by providing regular access to good old H2O. Invest in one of Eden Springs’ eco-friendly water coolers to ensure your staff stay happy, healthy and hydrated all day long.