Research: A five-minute walk every hour can boost mood and focus at work

Working at a desk for long periods is a significant part of the daily routine for white-collar workers. However, a new study has revealed that regular, short walking breaks during the workday can have a positive impact on both well-being and attention.

According to the study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine and conducted by Columbia University, five-minute walks taken every hour emerged as one of the most viable methods to improve mood and reduce fatigue without compromising productivity.

More than 11 thousand people working in the US participated in the study. It was noted that the majority of the participants worked in office jobs and had shifts of approximately eight to nine hours per day. In the first week, employees maintained their normal routines; in the following two weeks, they took five-minute walking breaks at specific intervals during work.

THE MOST OPTIMAL INTERVAL IS AN HOURLY BREAK

The study compared walking breaks taken every half hour, every hour, and every two hours. It was observed that walks taken every half hour produced positive results on mood and fatigue but interrupted the workflow more significantly. While walks taken every two hours also yielded better results than not walking at all, the most balanced results were obtained with five-minute breaks every hour.

Lead author of the study, Keith Diaz, pointed out that adults spend most of their waking hours sedentary, stating, "The good news is that a five-minute walk every hour is enough to improve mood and reduce fatigue."

According to Diaz, although movement breaks may seem to interrupt the work routine at first glance, they can have a supportive effect on attention span, memory, and executive functions. It is not necessary to go outside for a walk; walking around the office, taking phone calls while walking, or holding appropriate meetings while in motion are also among the options.

Emily McGrath from the British Heart Foundation stated that adding movement to daily life can contribute to overall health. Reminding that the study was short-term and based on self-reporting by participants, McGrath emphasized that longer-term research is needed to see the effects on heart health.

News Source: 12punto