Tips for staying active while working from home!
As a Business Travel Consultant, planning, searching, booking, and adapting quickly are in our blood! Of course, this can be done from home as it is now, but I, Mariska den Hartogh, also prefer to be in the flow with my colleagues in our cozy office garden. Quick consultations, sharing knowledge, getting coffee for each other, and stepping outside during the lunch break. Familiar to many!
Although we as Business Travel Consultants are used to spending our days on the phone, emailing, and browsing, I too am spending more time talking to my screen, I have 10-year-old twins who are taught via Zoom, and my husband is in video meetings all day. As Arjan Lubach already said, there has never been a more frequent sound in the Netherlands: “Can you see me? Can you hear me?”
Get off of that chair!
Because everyone is working from home so much, people are walking and/or cycling a lot less, and screen time has increased significantly. Working too long and sitting too much are lurking dangers. And yet, sitting still for too long and not moving enough can have consequences for your health. I try to occasionally take calls while walking and walk back and forth to the kitchen for a fresh cup of tea. And of course, I regularly take the stairs at a brisk pace when the children ask for help with their schoolwork. Taking a breather outside during breaks should not be forgotten either.
Day without a break
The average home worker sits for about 7 hours a day, which can lead to quicker fatigue and a slower metabolism. It also increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. One of our regular clients, together with their partner Sitness, therefore organized a Sit-Free Workday on January 21st, which we at Uniglobe Alliance Travel participated in via live stream. The day started with a joint warm-up, after which a video with an exercise to break up sedentary work was released online every 90 minutes. The goal of this Sit-Free Workday was to stand for at least 25% of the working time. And I succeeded!
Below I will share some fun, light, and easy movement exercises to do throughout the day.
- Rug exercises: shoulders back and hollow your back (2x10)
- Arm stretch exercise: arms forward and to the left, then forward and to the right (2x10)
- Core exercise: chair dips with arms extended backward against your desk, body slightly bent (1 set of 10 reps)
It's useful to know that light activities spread throughout the day have a more positive impact on your body than an hour of intense exercise in the evening. (An added bonus)
Going on a business trip soon? We're thinking along with you!
Should you still have to travel for work, during this exceptional period, my colleagues and I are naturally happy to think with you about the possibilities that do exist. Naturally, we will take the applicable Corona measures into account. Click here for more information about the current measures at the airlines and at your travel destination.
Did you also know that every week new Blogs On our website, you'll find tips and inspiration for business travelers, covering travel destinations, airlines, and travel trends.
Finally, I hope everyone can find a good balance in all the remote work. Take good care of yourself and each other!
Stay safe!
Mariska den Hartogh
Business Travel Consultant