Brighten your workday with a stroll

Brighten your workday with a stroll

A few years ago, Wandelnet called the national campaign “Walk during your working day” (WTJW) into existence to get people to move more while working. With an average of no less than 8.9 sitting hours per day in 2022, the Dutch are European champions of sitting, according to research firm TNO. And that despite the fact that we all know that exercise is good for you, both physically and mentally.

Walking not only improves our physical health by lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, but it also has an undeniably positive effect on our mental health. A daily walk can reduce stress, improve mood and even increase creativity.

That’s why Wandelnet challenges employees to take a stroll during their workday every first Thursday in April. One stroll won’t make a difference, of course; the real goal of the campaign is to raise awareness. So that it doesn’t just stop at that one walk but becomes a regular part of your workday.

It may seem challenging to incorporate strolls into a busy workday, but it is surprisingly easy to get started. Here are some tips:

1. Get a fresh start by walking to work. If you live too far away, walk to the train station or get off one stop earlier. Park your car further away from your workplace and walk the last bit.
2. Schedule strolls in your calendar as if it were an important meeting. This helps you prioritize it. Combine your stroll with your lunch and you will be more productive all afternoon.
3. Schedule stroll meetings. Stroll meetings get you moving while you just keep working. It’s not only healthy but also makes your meetings more productive and creative.
4. Start walking while you’re on the phone, this way you achieve your step goal and it provides a welcome change from your sedentary work.
5. Start small because even a short walk of five to 10 minutes can make a difference in how you feel.
6. Find a stroll buddy, this can be a great motivator and it adds a social element to your stroll.
7. Challenge each other. A competition with your peers may be just the incentive you need to get out for a walk more often. For example, use the ‘ommetje- app’ from the brain foundation.

So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to discover the many benefits of strolling, both inside and outside your work environment!

Two videos that fit this theme perfectly.
A short informative video of Prof. Dr. Erik Scherder: waarom wandelen goed is voor je brein
And for a bit of humor … because a good laugh can be as refreshing as an afternoon stroll, this fun clip from Koefnoen ‘dood aan de stoel’