Originally created as a form of martial arts, Tai Chi is now used across the world to stretch, relieve physical tension and combat stress levels. Ideal for the office, this gentle form of exercise can be done at a workstation or in a quiet corner to re-energise your work efforts. Combining smooth flowing movements with grounding breathing exercises can make a huge difference to the productivity levels in your office.
We’ve created a short video with expert Betty Sutherland to demonstrate how you can incorporate these stress relieving exercises into your working day for both you and your employees. Betty is a qualified Tai Chi practitioner and trainer with more than 20 years of experience. Originally from Scotland, she has pioneered the teaching of Tai Chi to children in primary schools across the country, allowing them to gain the physical and mental benefit of the martial art.
Betty takes us through techniques that can help to get your body limbered up, increase productivity and re-focus your mind. So find a quiet space where you are free to move and get to work on relaxing your body and mind for the work day ahead.
If Tai Chi isn’t enough to keep everyone in your office moving, then we have some other tips to help you loosen up and keep energy levels high. From walking to stretching, staying fit in the office needn’t be difficult.
Encourage everyone in your office to take the stairs rather than the lift. Enough to get your blood pumping, you’ll be surprised by how much this simple change can refresh the body and mind for a more productive day at work.
Walking a little further every day will also help put an extra spring in your step. Inspire everyone to use their lunchbreaks to get some fresh air by getting out of the office, rather than grabbing food and heading back to their desk.
While we all may rely on emails nowadays, you should try promote the benefits of face-to-face interaction and encourage staff to visit a colleague’s desk for a chat. Or have walking meetings that will get your heart-rate up and your creative juices flowing.
Keeping the mind and body relaxed, focussed and productive doesn’t have to be difficult, even when you work in an office environment. With our useful Tai Chi instruction video and our desk exercise tips, you can quickly improve your wellbeing in your workplace.
