Together we stay stronger October is Barratt's health and wellbeing month - Physical health This week our newsletter focuses on looking after our physical health and the positive impact that different forms of exercise can have on our overall health and wellbeing. In the current climate some of us may not be exercising as often as we used to, and for colleagues who are working from home, it is very easy to lose track of time and sit at your desk without taking a break or moving for long periods of time. And as the darker evenings draw in you may feel less motivated to take some form of exercise, you may also feel more isolated and this can in turn have an effect on your mental health. We’ve pulled together some resources including hints, tips and online sessions to help us all get active, whether you’re working from home or on site, and to improve our physical health.
What can you do to improve your physical health ? Four steps to improved physical health 1. Drink more water and try and avoid sugary drinks. As the body is primarily composed of water, staying hydrated is crucial to your physical health. 2. Eat more fruit and vegetables and less fast food - eating a well balanced diet will give you more energy and higher concentration levels 3. Get a good night's sleep - poor sleep can be linked to a weakened immune system and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. 4. Exercise regularly. You don't have to become a gym member to exercise. ( below are some exercise ideas to try out) Why not try something new ? Find out what is happening in your area. Whether it be online exercise classes, joining the gym or trying out a new sport. Pilates at your desk Try out the free 8 to 10 minute sessions available everyday for all levels of ability - follow online via Instagram by clicking here or by searching on Instagram for Pilatesatyourdesk Lunchtime HIIT Workouts Perfect for any fitness level as you work at your own intensity, without the need for any equipment. These workouts are available via Vitality Health every Tuesday lunchtime 12.30 – 1.00. Please click on the date below to join the session. Tuesday 13 October 12:30 -1.00
Tuesday 20 October 12:30-1.00
Tuesday 27 October 12:30-1.00
If you are working from home, instead of logging on earlier we would encourage you to use your usual commute time to exercise, this can help energise you for a great start to your day.
Health and wellbeing at home online session Vitality Health are offering a session on Friday 23 October 2:00 -3:00 'Boosting Your Immunity for the Winter Months' - The session will look at how you can boost your immunity for the winter months, with the panel discussing how nutrition affects your immunity and general wellbeing. To register click here. You can register and submit your questions around mental health and wellbeing, nutrition and diet or physical activity and exercise and the amazing coaches will be delighted to answer them for you.
Working from home – Physical health and wellbeing If you are working from home, please make sure you have completed your Risk Assessment and return to your Line Manager, and if you have any concerns please talk to your line manager. To complete your form click here. Did you know that if you are a DSE (Display Screen Equipment) user you may be able to claim back up to £20 for an eye test and up to £54 for prescription glasses. Click here to view the policy and eligibility details.
Don’t forget you need to take a break of approximately 10 minutes every hour from screen work. Use the time to move around, stretch and get some fresh air. Click here to see the Working from Home Guide for more information on your health and wellbeing whilst at home.
Together we stay stronger Looking after your physical health whilst working on site Employees in the construction industry are often exposed to physically heavy workloads and tough conditions so it’s important to ensure that you prepare properly for your working day. Stretching is a really good way to help prevent an injury while working so why not start with simple exercises and then an easy warm up to get your muscles moving before you start work. This is even more important when its cold outside. It’ll only take a few minutes to warm up and stretch from head to toe, and remember to only take yourself to a comfortable stretch without any pain. You don't have to work on site to benefit from these, why not give them a go. Relax your shoulders and gently move your left ear towards your left shoulder, using your left arm to help. Only stretch as far as feels comfortable. Hold for 15-20 seconds and slowly repeat on the other side.
Relaxing your shoulder blades back and down, reach one arm across your body and gently use your other arm to deepen the stretch. Hold for 15-20 seconds and repeat on the other side.
Stand with your feet hip-width apart and clasp your hands above your head. Gently lean your body to one side, feeling a deep stretch along the side of your body. Hold for 10-15 seconds and repeat on the other side.
Stand up straight and hold onto the wall or a chair if you need to. Keep your feet hip-width apart. Reach back and grab your left foot with your left hand. Keep your thighs lined up next to each other and your left leg in line with your hip. Feel the stretch in your left thigh and hips. Repeat with your right leg.
To get your heart pumping follow this routine, after you have stretched: Jog on the spot for 1 minute 10 squats 10 side lunges each side 10 jump jacks 10 leg swings Jog on the spot for 1 minute Feel engerised and ready to start the day
Together we stay stronger eLearning modules We offer a range of 60 Second eLearning modules ideal for use on the mobile app. Topics covered include: Relaxation techniques Importance of sleep Switching off from work We are continually adding more modules to our offering, please visit MyLearning for further information. Lighthouse is a charity that provides support to construction company workers and their families. Why not join their ‘learn over lunch’ meditation training sessions. Click on the date below below to register and you'll then be sent a confirmation email with your own unique link to log in to the session. Meditation workshop : A straightforward introduction to meditation from a construction professional explaining how a consistent practice can benefit your mental health every day. Wednesday 11 November 2020 12:00
Wednesday 9 December 2020 12:00
Did you know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Remember breast cancer impacts both men and women. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Now aim to get as many people as possible involved in raising awareness and funds to help support life-saving research and life-changing support. As the UK’s largest comprehensive breast cancer charity, you can get involved, through campaigning, raising money and of course wearing it pink on Friday 23 October. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month do something great and make life-saving research happen by supporting wear it pink. Please click here to support this great charity. Breast Cancer checking Be aware and regularly remember to Check-CUP for breast cancer: Do you know what to look out for? 1. Change: Is something about your body different or unusual? Is something new, does something feel ‘wrong’ to you? Trust yourself to know what is right and wrong and seek help. 2. Unexplained: Can you pinpoint why something has changed, why you are feeling physically unwell? If not, it is worth further investigation. 3. Persistent: Have you been experiencing the above or feeling unwell for longer than two weeks? Watch out for symptoms that you can’t shake off. Click here to access the NHS information on how to be breast aware. If you are worried about your health or experience a change that is unexplained or persistent, seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Can you go sober for October? Sober October encourages people to go booze-free in October to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, who need your support now more than ever. Not only will you be helping a fantastic charity who provide much-needed physical, financial and emotional support to the millions of people living with cancer but you will also be helping yourself physically and mentally. Sign up to go sober(ish) for October by clicking on this link. Together we can make a huge difference! Go Sober for October
For information, tools and links on many areas of health and wellbeing please click here to visit our My Barratt Benefits website
Together we stay stronger My Barratt Benefits We have a number of voluntary benefits that will help your physical wellbeing. Cyclesheme : As part of My Barratt Benefits we offer two cycle to work schemes (Cyclescheme and Halford's Cycle2Work). It’s quick and easy to join these schemes and you’ll save at least 32% on the cost of a new bike and you can spread the cost of the bike over 12 months. Check out Cyclescheme's website for information on how to follow COVID-19 advice on your bike. Gymflex : You have access to great discounts at over 3,000 gyms, spas, pools, studios and outdoor fitness events across the UK. Including all the main UK chains such as Nuffield Health, Virgin Active, David Lloyd and other operators such as Pure Gyms and many local leisure centres. Additionally, you will find hundreds of studios offering Yoga, Pilates, Barre, HIIT and CrossFit… Halfords Rewards : The voucher can be used at any of the Halfords stores on absolutely anything! Also discounts and offers at Halfords Autocentres on MOT’s, Services & Repairs. Simply present the in-store voucher on a mobile device or printed copy along with proof of entitlement (payslip) and get 10% off anything in store. Access the Halfords Rewards discount voucher here.
My Active Discounts : Provides employees with savings on health, sport and fitness products: • Fitness clothing & accessories from big sports brands and unique independent suppliers • Nutritional supplements • Healthy food deliveries • Home gym equipment • Fitness trackers
Savings can be made on Nike, Gymshark, Asics, Garmin, Under Armour, MYPROTEIN, Hello Fresh, Maxi Nutrition and Fitness at home subscriptions including LES MILLS On Demand and many more. Also save up to 30% on Garmin's range of smartwatches and activity tracker, including Garmin's multi-award winning vivoactive GPS smartwatch, running watches and edge devices (cycling computers). There is a product to suit everyone and get you on the move no matter what your fitness level. Click here for further information and to access the discounts.
Next week ........ Financial health and wellbeing Next week we look at financial health including Money management Pension options The importance of keeping on top of your finances Tips for saving money on everyday purchases Planning for your retirement Whether you are 2 years from retirement or 10 years, planning for your future after you finish working is something we should all think about. Look out for the launch of our new retirement planning webinars in partnership with financial wellbeing consultants Close Brothers. For information, tools and links on many areas of health and wellbeing please click here to visit our My Barratt Benefits website