This March, we’re focusing on ways we can be active to improve our wellbeing – one of ‘five ways to wellbeing’, researched and developed by The New Economics Foundation: Connect, Be Active, Give, Take Notice, and Keep Learning.
Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety, but even slower paced activities, such as walking, can make a real difference. Find out more about what’s on over the next month to help you be active.
What’s on in March? Get to know your numbers
Knowing your numbers means taking action to measure and understand important statistics about your health such as your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and body weight. Having these checked regularly and knowing what they mean is a great first step toward better health and wellbeing. Learn more about knowing your numbers, here.
- 20-24 March: The Occupational Health and Wellbeing team will once again be setting up a health kiosk in the Atrium and encourage anyone in Carnival House to pop by for a confidential health check. Learn more about your numbers related to cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, and body mass index (BMI).
- 21 & 23 March: The team are also offering free face to face cholesterol tests on these days. Keep an eye on the Weekly Update for details on how to book.
- 29 March, 12pm GMT: Join us for the Boost your Energy Webinar (1 hour) with Super Wellness. If you feel tired when you wake up, or suffer from energy slumps mid-morning or mid-afternoon, this is for you! You’ll leave the webinar with knowledge of some small, simple adjustments that will make a big difference day to day!
You can join the webinar online here (Meeting ID: 850 1129 0310, Passcode: 020906) or add this invite to your calendar as a reminder. We’ll also be screening the webinar in Carnival House in Las Palmas room, so join us in person if you prefer.
Six months to make a real difference
The know your numbers health kiosk will return to Carnival House in September, so if your numbers need improving, see what you can achieve by being active in the next six months, before your next health check!
Here’s some top tips:
- Take the stairs instead of the lift
- Go for a walk at lunchtime
- Walk into work – perhaps with a colleague – so you can ‘connect’ as well
- Get off the bus one stop earlier than usual and walk the final part of your journey
- Organise a work sporting activity
- Do some ‘easy exercise’, like stretching, before you leave for work in the morning or try out this kitchen workout!
- Walk to someone’s desk instead of sending a Teams message or emailing
- Try out a new exercise class online – here’s some free workouts from the NHS
- Or try out a new class in person
Be Active Benefits
If you’re a shoreside colleague at CUK, you’ve access to exclusive employee benefits designed to support your wellbeing – including a membership discount with Active Nation Gym (at The Quays fitness centre opposite Carnival House). Monthly membership is £35.99 instead of £41.00.
You can also get a discount with Shaolin UK, in Southampton. From Shaolin Kung Fu, to Yoga, Meditation and Tai Chi – they have classes to suit all ages and offer much more than just regular gym facilities. Click here for discount details.
Through the Perks at Work scheme, you also have access to a wide range of discounts on fitness equipment across various vendors.