Things to consider
Breathe some fresh air into your life – The outdoors helps us cope with life’s ups and downs. So getting away from your desk or office, even for 5 minutes during the working day, can help you to feel more energised. Open a window and let some fresh air in from time to time.
Take the indoors out – Consider some of your work-based activities and whether any would be appropriate to take outdoors. A mobile phone call or a face to face meeting that could perhaps be replaced with a short walk?
Bring the outdoors in – It is not always easy to get outside, especially in winter. Position yourself near a window where you can take in a view, pop a house plant in your office or play sounds from nature in the background while you work. Take photos of your favourite places in nature. Use them as backgrounds on a mobile phone or computer screen, or print and put them up on your walls.
Look after your Mental Health – SAMH have produced guidance on staying mentally healthy while working from home. Visit their website to find out more.
Walk your way to better health
Consider taking a short walk from your doorstep each morning to set yourself up for the day ahead. Even if you are working from home as it helps to create a transition between your home life and your work life. Paths for All have some great tips for homeworkers available on their website. If you are still travelling to work, consider parking or getting off the bus a five-minute walk away from your workplace.
Paths for All Step Count Challenge – a walking challenge for Scottish Workplaces with one simple aim, walk more to feel happier and healthier.
Create your own workplace step challenge – Build an online step count challenge for employees. Get your teams connected and engaged in an interactive activity tracker challenge to help boost employee wellbeing. Visit the Big Team Challenge website to help you out.
Get On Your Bike
The Cycle to Work scheme is designed to help you save money on a new work bike and spread the cost of the bike over monthly tax-free instalments through your employer. Ask your employer if they are already signed up. Sustrans also have some great tips on cycle routes and keeping active, available on their website.
Helping nature can also help you
There are many simple things we can all do to help nature, whether it’s a spot of gardening, feeding the birds or outdoor volunteering. It can be a great way to unwind after a stressful day or week.