28% of absenteeism is due to stress

Physical activity in all its forms has a key role in stress management. The increase in heart rate improves brain performance, the respiratory system while providing endorphins, hormone of pleasure. Six minutes of brisk walking per day (653 meters) can increase your endorphins by 30% and reduce negative emotions - especially cortisol which is the stress hormone.

What is stress impact on your body?

Stress is a natural physical and mental reaction to life experience. Everyone expresses stress from time to time. Anything from everyday responsibilities like work and family to serious life events such as a new diagnosis, war, or the death of a loved one can trigger stress. For immediate, short-term situations, stress can be beneficial to your health. It can help you cope with potentially serious situations. Your body responds to stress by releasing hormones that increase your heart and breathing rates and prepare your muscles to react.

Yet if your stress response doesn’t stop firing, and its level remains elevated far longer than necessary for survival, it can affect your health. Chronic stress can cause a variety of symptoms and affect your overall well-being. Symptoms of chronic stress include:

• irritability

• anxiety

• depression

• headaches

• insomnia

What is the link between physical activity & stress?

Physical activity in all its forms has a key role in stress management. The increase in heart rate improves brain performance and the respiratory system while providing endorphins, hormones of pleasure. Six minutes of brisk walking per day (653 meters) can increase your endorphins by 30% and reduce negative emotions - especially cortisol which is the stress hormone.

How to introduce physical activities in your daily life to reduce your stress?

• Take the stairs instead of using the elevator. This activity will boost your cardiovascular system and strengthen your legs!

• Take an active walk of 5 minutes each day to breath fresh air and move your body.

• Breathe deeply. It helps to increase circulation, to release endorphins, and to relax your muscles. You can do it anywhere — in the shower, in the car, at your desk, and even while having a conversation.

• Be consistent in your actions ... it's the key to success

How to increase motivation?

Challenging your colleagues & introducing a wellness program in your team could be a good start. Contact us for a demo session !