In today’s busy work culture, sitting for hours can feel pretty normal. But, what if standing up and walking is what you need to improve your productivity and health? Walking meetings are becoming a popular option for professionals to exercise and remain mentally focused thus adopting an active lifestyle. Let’s explore why changing your work environment from the boardroom to the sidewalk represents a small change with a large possible impact on how you work and feel.
Why Are Walking Meetings Becoming So Popular?
Walking meetings began as a creative way to change up a basic sit down meeting style, but it quickly became clear that the walking meeting was going to be more than just a fad. Now, professionals and companies are all turning to walking meetings as a great way to add energy and creativity to their daily work routine.
Even a short 15-minute walk during a meeting can provide an opportunity to clear things up mentally, create some fresh ideas, and battle the afternoon slump that many people experience after extended periods of sitting. Especially now with hybrid and remote work being so prevalent, walking meetings are now a discrete means to connect and collaborate in a flexible and health-supporting way.
The Health Benefits of Moving While You Work
Extended periods of sitting can lead to a number of complications related to your health. These complications can range from stiffness and back pain to lack of circulation and tiredness. Standing up and walking helps combat these complications. The simple action of walking increases blood flow that delivers more oxygen, nutrients and glucose to your brain and muscles, resulting in improved concentration and sustained energy.
Was that posture suck on that uncomfortable chair for hours? Walking promotes much better posture than sitting in the office chair. From erect but very relaxed position, walking promotes a naturally relaxed but engaged position without exposure to the tension and stress hormones introduced from sitting, particularly cortisol. Walking meetings are a naturally occurring movement and social opportunity that can elevate our mood and mental clarity during the day.
When Walking Meetings Cause Foot Discomfort—and How to Avoid It
Although walking meetings are typically low-impact, it’s possible you’ll experience some nagging aches or pains – particularly if you’re not used to standing or being on your feet during the course of the day. For example, if you’ve ever stopped to think “Why does the top of my foot hurt all of a sudden?”, this can often be due to overuse or improper footwear.
In most cases, foot pain results from either poor support from your shoes or slowly increasing your walking without ‘working into it’ first. Good shoes that have sufficient padding and arch support will help. Start walking meetings on short walks and pay attention to your body position; try to keep your head up and your shoulders relaxed so that you reduce unnecessary strain.
How Nutrition Supports Your Active Workday
Maintaining consistent energy with active work patterns requires more than movement, it also requires thoughtful nutrition as well. Many individuals now opt to add the best greens powder daily, which offers a convenient way to access vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants with supporting health benefits.
Along with regular walking, nutrient-rich supplements can help with reducing inflammation, muscle recovery, and sustaining your energy throughout the day. When combined with adequate hydration and balanced meals you can reach a steady energy level which will benefit your engagement and focus while taking part in walking meetings.
Tips for Making Walking Meetings Effective
Ready to try walking meetings? Here’s how to get started smoothly:
- Schedule Short Sessions: Aim for 15 to 20-minute walks, ideal for quick check-ins or brainstorming.
- Use Technology: Wireless earbuds make it easy to join virtual calls on the move.
- Choose Your Route Wisely: Find quiet, safe paths like parks or campus walkways to minimize distractions.
- Be Selective: Walking meetings work best for informal discussions, one-on-ones, and collaborative talks—not for presentations or large group meetings.
By integrating these simple practices, walking meetings can become a sustainable part of your work routine, benefiting both your productivity and health.
Small Changes That Lead to Big Benefits
Just a few minutes of movement during your work day can change the way you are feeling and operating. Walking meetings allow you to physically move, while continuing to stay engaged and focused, allowing for a perfect balance of not only physical wellness but also responsibilities as a professional. Together with conscious nutrition and an awareness of body mechanics, this lays the foundation for a lifetime of wellness.
So the next time you think about planning a meeting, consider going outside, your body and brain will thank you.
