Corporate Wellness Week, 1-5 July 2016

We are all trying to achieve a work-life balance, juggling careers with family, friends and hobbies. But how much balance do you strike between the hours of nine to five?

July 1 - 5 2016 is Corporate Wellness Week in South Africa. It's a week that puts the spotlight on wellness in the workplace and identifies the pitfalls and productivity levels of an ‘all work and no play' attitude in the office.

If eating your lunch at your desk while furiously trying to type up a document between bites is a regular occurrence for you, then perhaps it's time to break a few bad habits. Changing your routine in a few simple ways can have a hugely beneficial impact on your energy levels at work and your ability to manage stress.

Top tips for workplace exercise

• Taking about 10,000 steps a day (1 hour and 40 minutes) is enough to boost your energy and lower your risk of serious health problems such as heart disease and stroke. Start those 10 000 steps by parking your car further away from the office, taking the stairs instead of the elevator and deliberately using a bathroom on another floor.
• Sit on an exercise ball instead of a chair. This will strengthen your abs and back and you'll work on your posture without even trying.
• Set an alarm to go off every hour to remind you to stand up and move around. Even if you just swing your arms or take a deep breath, you'll feel more alert.
• Use the restroom on another floor and take the stairs.
• Deliver documents or messages to co-workers in person rather than by email or phone.
• Walk to the mall for lunch or park your car on the opposite end of the food court. Get a headset for your phone so you can move around while you talk.
• Does your company encourage workplace wellness? Here are some suggestions you and your colleagues can make:
• Work with local gyms to provide membership discounts for employees
• Organise office-wide yoga, pilates, aerobics and cardio workouts
• Encourage staff members to participate in weekend charity walks - this will instil a walking culture in your workplace in no time
• Set up short walks during lunch whenever your deadlines allow for it. Before you know it you'll have a few colleagues joining you for a quick power walking session
• If your company has a small garden or outdoor area, set up outdoor meetings and brainstorm sessions and enjoy the benefits of fresh air and sunshine.