Airwalking Towards a Greener Future: The benefits of a daily stroll

Since joining Airwalk Reply I’ve been incredibly impressed by the company’s dedication to our value Do The Right Thing.  During my onboarding, one CSR initiative that really stood out to me is our link with Treekly, where every day an employee takes 5,000 steps, it counts towards a tree being planted in one of their many projects around the world. All of which are all aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (a fitting nod too with the recent celebration of #UnitedNationsDay). This simple yet powerful incentive has had a profound impact on my daily routine. Not only does it motivate me to briefly step away from my desk for regular exercise, encouraging a healthier balance, benefiting both body and mind but it also reinforces the positive impact we can have on the environment.

The Power of Your Daily Steps

Truth be told, walking 5,000 steps a day may seem like a modest goal, but I am sure we are all guilty of sitting down for too long during the day and feel we missed the boat to get outside. The cumulative benefits of walking are remarkable and taking regular breaks from the desk has provided me with opportunities to get fresh air, refocus and clear my mind—all of which have significantly improved my productivity and overall wellbeing; great for me and for the client! 

On the days I work from home, I aim to start the day with a 'walk to work' – it’s much calmer and quieter than the other commute but gives me the chance to kick-start the day with a healthy dose of sunlight. The physical act of walking is known to stimulate creativity and problem-solving, and it has proven to be a valuable tool for me to navigate some complex work challenges over the past few months.

Keep the Wintery Blues at Bay

Walking has long been recognised for its health benefits. The late Michael Mosley, a well-known health journalist, advocates the benefits of daily walking in an article for the BBC. In it, Mosley highlights how even short, brisk walks can increase endorphin levels and reduce stress, helping people to stay focused and motivated throughout the day. This resonates with my own experience—after just a few weeks of signing up to this initiative, I noticed not only a boost in my physical health but also a greater sense of mental calm.

As we’ve seen the clocks roll back and begin to brace ourselves for the winter months, maintaining regular exercise becomes even more important. The shorter days and colder weather can make it more enticing to huddle up and stay indoors, but this is exactly why walking, even just 5,000 steps a day, becomes crucial for our mental wellbeing.

Research from the mental health charity Mind shows that physical activity is a key factor in combating depression and anxiety, particularly during the winter months when Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) becomes more prevalent. They emphasise that outdoor exercise helps to regulate sleep patterns, boost mood, and reduce feelings of isolation. Knowing that my daily walks are not only helping me to stay active and mentally sharp but are also contributing to a greener planet makes each step that much more rewarding. This is something I’ve come to appreciate more and more as I see my own forest with Treekly grow.

A Culture of Balance and Wellbeing

What truly impresses me is how this initiative reflects Airwalk Reply’s broader culture, placing an emphasis on balance between work and personal health, but that environmental stewardship is more than a nice-to-have. Encouraging colleagues to engage in daily exercise, through programs like this with Treekly, shows the company's commitment to our wellbeing - it’s a win-win! We get to stay active and improve our health while making a tangible impact on the planet.

This alignment between our personal health and our contribution to a larger cause illustrates a balance that is essential when working with clients. Just as we’re encouraged to take care of ourselves, we bring that same energy into our work. We prioritise sustainability and responsibility in every aspect of our operations, whether that’s in the way we approach projects, collaborate with clients, or foster a positive work environment. It comes as no surprise then how Airwalk Reply is recognised as a UK’s Best Workplace™, and additionally by being named as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces for Wellbeing™..  

So, I invite you to join the Airwalkers by getting your boots, wellies and coats out of the cupboard, gets those daily steps in, reap the physical and mental rewards while contributing to a very worthwhile cause 

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