Wellbeing

Winter holidays conjure cosy images of powdery snow, tree-topped mountains, rosy cheeks and marshmallow-blanketed hot chocolate in an alpine lodge… and a festive pair of crutches?

Whilst many of us have the option to turn the heating up when cold weather stikes, wear a few extra layers and supply both ourselves and our co-workers with a constant stream of hot drinks, construction workers must face the elements head-on.

A holiday helps refresh and recharge your batteries but it’s also a good opportunity to kick-start your fitness regime. Personal trainer Lucy Wyndham-Read is on hand with ideas and inspiration for holiday exercises.

As well as pre-booked summer holidays, unplanned absences tend to spike during warm weather. These days off, which are most likely to be on Mondays, Fridays and the day before holidays, are noted to reduce productivity by a whopping 36.6%.

What do we need to be productive in our work lives? We need the right tools which in a typical office setting would inevitable include a computer and phone, and the right personal qualities – skills, knowledge, motivation.

Employers and businesses including shops, local authorities and schools must take steps to remove barriers faced by people with disabilities, ensuring everyone can receive the same services and work without disadvantages.

Doctors have called for a workplace ban on the sales of sugary drinks after a study at the University of California found that the halt of sales of ‘fizzy pop’ at the canteen reduced staff’s sugar intake by nearly half.

Sleep is essential to good mental health. You probably already know that when you sleep well you feel and work better.

Covid may not be dominating the headlines as it has done for the last 2 years but the impact on the NHS will be felt for a generation. Can you afford not to protect your workforce?

When it comes to exercising regularly, it’s sometimes hard to stay motivated. Could the colour of your clothing help? Behavioural psychologist Judi James explores the power of colour psychology and how your choice of colours could make or break your fitness regime.