A recent study commissioned by ASICS has shed light on the detrimental effects of continuous desk work on mental health. The research, named ‘State of Mind,’ involved 26,000 participants and found a strong correlation between sedentary behavior and well-being. According to the study, State of Mind scores decline the longer individuals remain inactive, with stress levels increasing significantly after just two hours of continuous desk work.
To address this issue, ASICS has launched the Desk Break experiment in collaboration with Dr. Brendon Stubbs from King’s College London. The experiment involved participants taking daily 5-minute movement breaks and engaging in 15 minutes of exercise after three to four hours of work. The results were promising, with State of Mind scores increasing by more than 22% after just one week of movement breaks. Additionally, anxiety and perceived stress levels dropped significantly, and productivity and focus improved as well.
Dr. Stubbs highlighted the effectiveness of these short movement breaks in improving well-being and reducing stress, emphasizing the positive impact it can have on individuals’ mental health. ASICS has also released a public service announcement featuring Brian Cox, urging office-based employees worldwide to prioritize their mental health by taking regular Desk Breaks.
In addition to incorporating movement breaks into their daily routine, individuals can utilize technology to support their physical activity. Standing desks, smartwatches with reminders to stand up, and under-desk treadmills are all tools that can help promote mobility and overall activity. Taking a quick walk or engaging in a short workout during lunch breaks can also contribute to improving well-being and reducing stress levels.
Overall, the findings of the study underscore the importance of incorporating movement into the workday to maintain mental health and well-being. By prioritizing physical activity and taking regular breaks from desk work, individuals can enhance their State of Mind scores, reduce stress levels, and improve productivity and focus. Making small changes to incorporate movement into daily routines can have a significant impact on overall mental well-being and quality of life.
