Did you know that in a lifetime it is thought that the average human will eat 60 tonnes of food? Although the taste of the food we eat is incredibly important, its main function is to nourish our bodies; and our digestive system is key to changing our tasty food into usable nutrients. Once we have enjoyed a meal, our digestive system sets to work breaking down and absorbing food, killing off any bacteria and excreting anything we can't use; which is why an unhealthy digestive system can lead to an unhealthy body.
This months’ SuperWellness campaign takes a deep dive into the digestive process and more specifically, the role of our gut bugs, what they do and why they are so important to our overall health and wellbeing. Also shared are some ideas for lifestyle and dietary changes you can make to nurture your small but mighty gut bugs as well as some tasty recipes like Sauerkrat, which is great to add to all sorts of dishes.
Finally, with ‘Get on Your Feet Britain’ just around the corner, this months’ article takes a look at the benefits of walking to work. Although as some of us no longer have a commute into work, and instead a stroll from the kitchen to the office, this article looks at the benefits of walking within your working day, both physically and mentally. Also provided are some tips for increasing your activity throughout a busy working day.
Walking at work
There have been an increasing number of studies focussing on the benefits of being active throughout our working day and more specifically, getting outdoors while we do it and the results have been impressive, here are our top six reasons to get moving during your working day!
1. Stress reduction
A study comparing a short 15-minute walk outside with the same time spent meditating found the benefits on relaxation were equal, in fact those that walked outside said they felt more detached from work meaning they enjoyed the break more.
2. Improved concentration
The same study that looked at stress reduction also found that the 15-minute walk left employees feeling more replenished, enabling them to perform at a higher level for the rest of the day. So, maybe taking 10 minutes out of your day could in fact help you to achieve more, not less!
3. Improved immune function
Another benefit of reduced stress is an increase in your immune function. This is because when you’re not stressed you make less of the fight or flight hormone, adrenaline. Lowering adrenaline production allows the body to focus on making one of the immune cells known as natural killer cells (NKCs) which support your immunity.
4. Better physical health
Other than the obvious benefits of walking on the body like muscle tone and increased energy expenditure. Walking regularly also helps to improve the flow of blood to your joints which can reduce arthritis pain. Additionally, it has been shown to improve gut health and bowel movement regularity. So, taking a walk after lunch is a great way to not only prevent the afternoon slump but also improve your gut motility.
5. Increased creativity
A study found that while walking participants had twice as many creative responses when compared to those who were sitting down, and the benefit was even seen to last for a short period of time after walking stopped.
6. Reduced mental fatigue
This is thought to be because nature requires nothing from you, you can just take it in and switch off allowing you to reset and recover from the constant stimulation within your normal work (and home) environment.
Now you know why you should move but how can you incorporate it into your busy day?
Here are a few ideas…
Walk while you make work calls – as long as you don’t need to take notes!
Set a timer every couple of hours to remind you to get up and move, even just for a walk around the block, or building.
Get off your bus or tube a stop early or park a bit further away to increase your walk to/from the office. If you don’t commute plan in a short walk at the start and or end of your day – no dog or destination is necessary!
If you have a meeting with one or two people arrange to meet for a walk rather than sitting in the office – it may even increase your creative thought.
If you’re in the office, take the stairs instead of the lift, or just get off a few flights away.
Find a colleague who wants to get moving too and set up a weekly run or walk over a lunch break to keep you both motivated.
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