The pandemic has given us all a new appreciation of the importance of wellbeing and work-life balance. During lockdown many of us found ways to build exercise and time outdoors into our working day as a way to stay focussed, productive, healthy and happy.
To help everyone continue building on these healthy habits, here at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), we have made improvements to our outdoor areas to help our tenants and their employees make simple changes in their daily lives to support good health and wellbeing.
Walking is a great way to improve or maintain your physical and mental health, not to mention it’s free, simple and one of the easiest ways to become healthier.
With that in mind, we’re shining a light on the amazing health benefits of walking, as well as making the most of our fabulous riverside location with some of our favourite local walks that you can enjoy whether you’re on your lunchbreak, hosting a mobile meeting or commuting to and from the centre.
What are the benefits of walking?
As well as being a great way to discover new parts of your local area and save money on transport, walking offers a number of physical and mental health benefits.
Physical health benefits
- Help with weight management and maintaining a healthy weight
- Build strength and endurance
- Improve your lung function as you become fitter
- Reduce the risk of diseases such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and various cancers
- Increase bone strength and helping to prevent osteoporosis and arthritis
- Strengthen your immune system as a result of improved overall health
Mental health benefits
- Reduce stress
- Manage anxiety and depression
- Helps improve your mood and outlook
- Improve your sleep
- Increase your energy
- Help maintain concentration levels throughout the day
How often should I go for a walk?
The UK Department of Health recommends adults aged 19 – 64 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week. As long as your walk is brisk and increases your heart rate, it can be classed as moderate intensity.
Even 10 minutes of walking each day can offer a whole host of health benefits and count towards your recommended 150 minutes for the week.
Local walks near the BIC
Here’s a selection of local routes that you may wish to try out yourself.
The BIC’s riverside location is perfect for mobile meetings. Our marketing coordinator, Joanne, recently hosted a walking meeting with her colleagues and in just 15 minutes, she added 1370 steps to her daily total and enjoyed a successful meeting.
The BIC is close to a whole host of local amenities, including a gym, petrol station, restaurants, and shops. In just eight minutes, you can walk to our local Sainsbury’s and add just under 1000 steps to your daily total.
Studies have shown that getting out and about on your lunch break can have a positive impact on your creativity and concentration in the afternoon. So, next time you’re about to work through your lunch, why not enjoy this circular walk below and see if it boosts your productivity in the afternoon?
BIC’s new outdoor spaces
Once you have enjoyed your walk, our new outdoor seating area is the perfect place to finish your lunch break or enjoy your morning coffee before work.
