More than one in three (35%) UK employees spend less than an hour a day outdoors, with lack of access to green spaces having a knock-on effect on mental and physical health.
This is according to new research* which is calling for access and quality of shared outdoor spaces to be improved, to boost the wellbeing of people and our planet.
The main barriers to getting outdoors are not having enough free time (20%) and busy working lives (20%). But the lack of outdoor space is having a knock on effect on employee mental health. Nearly half of employees say that their mental (51%) or physical (52%) health suffers if they spend too much time indoors.
The health benefits of spending time outdoors
Dr Elizabeth Rogers, Associate Clinical Director at Bupa Global & UK says: “Time spent outdoors in green spaces is hugely important to our overall wellbeing. Not only can it help boost mood, reduce stress and anger, it can support mindfulness, encourage people to get more active, feel connected with their local community and there’s even research to suggest it may make us smarter – all of which positively impact work performance.
“It’s really important that people have access to outdoor space, especially if they’re living in more built-up urban areas where getting into nature can be difficult. Increased quality of green spaces also benefits the environment too. This reduces pollution, which we know has been linked to respiratory diseases, heart disease, and some cancers. By investing in green spaces, Bupa is supporting city-dwellers to gain the health benefits of a healthy planet.”
Tips for encouraging your employees to get outdoors
- Prioritise Outdoor Time: Incorporate outdoor activities into your daily routine. Whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or in the evening, find a time that works best for you. Starting the day with fresh air can set a positive tone, boost organisation and productivity, and alleviate stress before diving into other tasks.
- Plan Your Route: Seek out nearby green spaces or routes that are away from busy roads. Avoiding pollution is a concern for many of us, so finding cleaner areas can enhance your outdoor experience. You might even discover new places on your doorstep that you didn’t know existed.
- Engage Your Senses: Embrace mindfulness while outdoors by fully immersing yourself in the environment. Engage all your senses—observe the colours, listen to the sounds of nature, feel the textures around you, and appreciate the scents in the air. This practice can help you connect with nature on a deeper level and promote relaxation, increasing happiness and improved mood.
- Exercise in Nature: Take advantage of the warmer weather by incorporating outdoor exercise into your routine. Aim for a certain amount of physical activity each day, such as walking, jogging, cycling, or any outdoor sports you enjoy. Exercising in nature not only benefits your physical health but also provides a refreshing change of scenery and boosts your mood.
- Discover Outdoor Activities: Look for opportunities to go outside, whether it’s taking a work call whilst you stroll, reading a book in a peaceful spot, listening to a podcast, or meeting up with friends in an outdoor setting.
- Create Small Outdoor Habits: Building habits is easier when we make them accessible. Instead of completely overhauling your routine, start with small steps. For instance, have your lunch outside instead of at your desk or enjoying dinner alfresco. These incremental changes can gradually form a habit of spending more time outdoors.
- Advocate for Green Initiatives: If you are passionate about the environment and want to contribute further, consider applying for a Bupa Foundation Green Community Grant. This grant supports projects focused on promoting green spaces and initiatives that enhance the well-being of communities. By taking action and supporting these initiatives, you can actively contribute to a greener future.
Remember, embracing the outdoors is beneficial for your physical health as well as also promoting mental well-being and rejuvenation. So, step outside, and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. Your mind and body will thank you!
*Research from rom Bupa
To promote a healthier environment, boost physical and mental health and kick-start long-term habits in their day-to-day lives, Bupa is launching its Healthy Cities initiative, encouraging people to incorporate daily movement into their routines throughout June. Bupa people, partners and customers will undertake a 30-day walking challenge to support fundraising for green initiatives and kick-start the habit of getting outdoors every day. This will unlock funding for the Bupa Foundation to donate up to £750,000 to help regenerate local green spaces across the country, including via its new Green Community Grant scheme. Schools, charities and not-for-profits can apply for grants of up to £2,500 each for green projects throughout June.
