Get Britain Moving has teamed up with the British Heart Foundation to hold the first ever On Your Feet Britain event taking place on Friday 24 April.
The event is designed to encourage workers across Britain to find imaginative ways to sit less during the working day.
It is estimated that the average desk-based worker accumulates roughly nine hours of sitting per day. This has a negative impact people’s jobs and health.
Two Carnegie researchers, Dr Mellis and Dr Rutherford, have given their expert advice on how to become more active in the workplace, as part of the On Your Feet Britain campaign.
- Take small-group walking meetings – this is a pleasant way to have discussions with your colleagues and get some activity.
- Do a standing meeting – these have been reported to be more productive so they will be over quicker!
- Walk to a photocopier/printer at the opposite end of the corridor or on the next floor.
- Remove the kettle from your office and walk to the staff room instead.
- Do stretching exercises at your desk to mobilise – these small movements count as light physical activity.
- Drink water so you get up to get refills or to go to the loo.
- Move the rubbish bin to the opposite side of the office so you have to get up.
- Walk over to colleagues rather than sending an email or phoning them.
- Stand up and pace when on the phone.
- Set a reminder on your computer or phone to stand and move around every 30 minutes – alternate between sitting and standing.
- Leave your desk for lunch – many of us are culprits of working over lunch but it’s important to take a break to boost productivity in the afternoon.
- Go out to get lunch or drinks for the team – this will always go down well.
If your practice would like to take part visit https://getbritainstanding.org/onyourfeet-britain/.
