Welcome to Small Steps to Health where we do not take orders from a cookie!
This post is a discussion of the benefits of joining a walking group at work. The benefits go beyond improving your health. It could save your job in this economy!
It took me 2 months to find a walking group at my first job out of college. I found a walking group within 2 weeks at my second job. And by the time I was on my third job, it took me a week to find a walking group. There is something to be said about like attracting like – positive energy attracting more positive energy to my life.
But the new job that I just started beat my previous record. Once it became official that I won the transfer lottery, I made the first move and contacted my new supervisor to ask for a meeting to discuss the transfer. As I headed back to my car for the drive home, I spotted two women that I vaguely seen at other company gatherings.
I mentioned that I would be starting in this building Monday and asked if they just came back from a walk. It was 2pm. The possibility of government employees taking their break during this time is very likely. And when I got an affirmative from the women, I asked if I can join them Monday. And so before I even begin my new job, I joined another walking group.
We all know that walking is a low impact aerobics exercise that have many health benefits.
But why is walking at work good for my career?
Walking gives us a chance to take a break from work. More often than not, we work through our breaks and wonder why we feel so physically exhausted from sitting all day. A little exercise is the quickest way to regain your mental focus and alertness. Skip the afternoon coffee!
You might argue that you do not have enough time to take a break, but the truth is we waste an enormous amount of time at work. It is not that important to read every email joke or watch every YouTube video that our co-workers send.
Nor is it that important to rehash our weekend every Monday with every single person in the office. In a cube farm, we hear how your weekend went after the first co-worker you talked to.
Walking is a good time to ask for information
Depending on who is in your walking group, a walking break is the perfect opportunity to pump people for information (of course, you do it tactfully so they do not know that you are culling information from them).
Besides finding out who is responsible for ordering furniture in the office, I learn what kind of projects others are working on and their personal quirks. And often hear about potential laid-offs and promotional opportunities even before they are even announced. In this economy, this kind of career information is invaluable.
But I would never get this kind information in the office. Though my co-workers might be comfortable discussing their weekends, they are not comfortable with speculating potential laid offs or promotional opportunities in a cube farm when it is not yet officially announced. Nor would they talk as openly about other co-workers in the organization and the managers.
So the next time a co-worker ask if you want to take a walking break, consider joining them. You never know what you could learn that might help with your career.
Until next time and thanks for stopping by Small Steps to Health.
Photos by: southtyrolean.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Good post! I would also add that it’s nice to make friends with the people you work with. Maybe not a career helper, but a good way to enjoy the place you work at more.
Spring Girls last blog post……Hair care or a lack thereof
@Spring Girl – Oh yes, making new friends is also a plus. Having friends at work does make the day go by faster. Thanks for the comment.
I recently started walking at work and in the short time I’ve been doing it, I’ve noticed a subtle change in my attitude toward work. I think just moving for awhile is a tremendous help to our bodies AND minds. Sure has been for me.
.-= Margie´s last blog ..Hot chocolate humor =-.
@Margie – I am glad that you are picking up this habit. Yours is another example of the connection between our minds and physical beings. We are not made to sit still all day! Thanks for the comment.
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