WORK / LIFE : WORK-FROM-HOME HEALTH
its signature programs , the Global Wellness Challenge . This annual company-wide physical activity challenge , which has taken place since 2011 , now has more rewards and resources , as well as a virtual social component that helps connect hybrid employees .
“ The new hybrid work model means that our employees are spread across various work environments , just as they have different fitness levels ,” says Beddome . “ HP ’ s renewed investment helps ensure we meet employees where they are , so that there is a consistent and holistic well-being experience , no matter the work location .”
Last year , HP employees tallied a 30 % increase in average daily steps during the Global Wellness Challenge , and they sustained higher activity levels post-challenge , Beddome says . More than 13,000 employees joined this year ’ s challenge .
Increasing activity throughout the day can have an impact not only on health , but also on productivity : Researchers have found
strong connections between physical fitness and cognitive function , and even short bursts of physical activity can improve both learning and memory .
Whether you ’ re working full-time from home or have a hybrid schedule , here are some new and in-development technological tools that can help you proactively manage your well-being throughout the workday and improve wellness .
1GET THE EXTRA “ PUSH ”
YOU NEED TO MOVE
Willow Blish , a private Pilates instructor and movement therapist in Berkeley , California , has heard more complaints about stiff muscles from her clients over the last few years . “ We ’ ve lost the unconscious movement that ’ s really good for our bodies ,” she says . To keep the body limber , she encourages her clients to work in different spots around the house in addition to their dedicated workspace .
With less organic movement throughout the day , small nudges can make a big difference . Blish likes the low-tech tool of placing colorful dot stickers around the house as tangible reminders to stretch or relax tight muscles . There are plenty of high-tech solutions , too . WW ( formerly Weight Watchers ) is partnering with Zoom to
deliver push notifications to remind workers to stand , stretch , and hydrate while working . You can also program home devices like Google Assistant to announce out loud healthy habits like “ Drink water ” or “ Go for a walk ” as part of its
Workday Routine feature .
2GAMIFY YOUR MOVEMENT
Make exercise fun with
Pikmin Bloom , a simple walking game from the creators of
Pokémon GO that lets you grow and interact with plant-like creatures as you stroll . To stay motivated , there are virtual walks like those from
The Conqueror , where challenges include the Inca Trail or the Great Wall of China , solo or with friends . With
Yes . Fit , you can join virtual races based on themes , such as the “ In Pizza We Crust Half Marathon ” and the “ Zombie Madness Run .”
3WALK WHILE YOU TALK
Walking and mindful movement can help you solve challenging problems , recharge , and keep energy levels high , says Sam Tackeff , cofounder of the digital health platform
Ompractice and a certified personal trainer . Even a 15-minute exercise session during the workday is better than nothing at all . “ Small movement throughout the day truly does add up ,” she says . Remote workers can mix phone calls with Zoom meetings and walk while they talk , Tackeff suggests . Bookend a short walk at the beginning and end of your day to transition into and out of work .
Slack ’ s “ Huddles ” feature lets you have audio conversations with people in your workspace and lends itself to meetings on the move . A meeting platform built for walking ,
the Spot app makes it easy to transcribe conversations , take notes , and flag follow-ups .
The Loop app offers 60-minute # Walk- WithLeader sessions where participants tune in to TED-like talks from industry leaders while they walk , as well as oneon-one # WalkyTalky sessions for walking while brainstorming or networking with other members of the Loop community .
HEALTH AIDS New wearables can monitor your health while working , such as Upright , a device that helps you improve your posture by vibrating when it senses that you ’ re slumping . The Apollo Neuro band helps you recover from stress by sending calming vibrations to your nervous system .
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