April 2022: Get active in April We are fully committed to helping colleagues to achieve a healthy lifestyle, and in April we look at the best ways you can do this by improving your diet and picking up healthy habits. April 2022 is National Stress Awareness Month, which aims to increase awareness about the causes of stress and how to help combat it. Click here for further information, tools, resources and support.
How can physical activity help my mental health? Many case studies have shown that physical activity can improve mental health. For example, it can help with: Better sleep by making you feel more tired at the end of the day. A happier mood, as physical activity releases feel-good hormones and gives you more energy. Managing stress, anxiety or intrusive and racing thoughts, as doing something physical releases cortisol which helps us manage stress. Being physically active also gives your brain something to focus on and can be a positive coping strategy for difficult times
Nutrition Good nutrition is an essential part of a person’s overall health and wellbeing, therefore it is important to know the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and being physically fit. Eating a balanced diet helps to reduce the risk of health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. It also helps with sleeping patterns, energy levels and your overall health. You may also notice that your mood often affects the type of food you choose, as well as how much you eat. For more information from the NHS on how to achieve a balanced diet, and what the benefits are of doing so, click here.
Physical health and long COVID For some, coronavirus can cause symptoms that last weeks or months after the infection has gone. This is sometimes called post-COVID19 syndrome or long COVID. We understand some colleagues may be experiencing symptoms of long COVID, and if this affects you we would encourage you to speak to your GP and your Line Manager. Symptoms can include: Fatigue Shortness of breath Chest pain or tightness It’s important to remember to stay active and maintain a good diet whilst experiencing long COVID. It’s thought that rest and pacing your exercise are key contributors to recovery. For more information from the NHS and how to get support click here.
On Your Feet Britain: Thursday 28 April On Your Feet Britain Day is the national activity awareness day when 2 million desk-based workers across Britain participate in a variety of fun and simple activities. Research shows that regular movement throughout the day leads to many wellbeing and increased performance benefits such as: Better health Increased motivation Improved concentration If you are a hybrid worker, there are some simple changes you could make, it’s easier than you think: Stand during phone calls Stand and take a break from your computer every 30 minutes Use the stairs more Arrange standing or walking meetings
Eat your lunch away from your desk Walk to a colleague's desk instead of phoning or emailing them Stand at the back of the room during presentations
Why not take up the challenge and see how much you can reduce your “sitting time”.
For information, tools and links on many areas of health and wellbeing please click here to visit our My Barratt Benefits website. For any queries or suggestions, please contact handw@barrattplc.co.uk.
My Barratt Benefits to help you get active All colleagues have access to My Active Discounts for your fitness and wellbeing needs, covering everything from nutrition, supplements, fitness watches, virtual fitness classes, sports clothing and footwear to adventure days, spa breaks and travel. GymFlex offer great savings on annual gym memberships. You have access to great discounts at over 3,700 gyms, spas, pools, studios and outdoor fitness events across the UK. This includes UK chains such as Nuffield Health, Virgin Active, David Lloyd, low cost operators such as PureGym and many local leisure centres. You will also find hundreds of studios offering classes such as yoga, pilates, barre, HIIT, CrossFit and much more. Cycle2Work allows employees to get active by leasing a road bike and accessories and recouping the cost through salary sacrifice whilst saving on tax contributions. Cycle2Work partner with hundreds of retailers to offer thousands of bikes and accessories so there really is something for everyone. You can also benefit from:
Access to over 465 Halfords stores (including Click & Collect) Free 12 month bike care & service plan Discount card giving you 20% off all bike accessories in Halfords stores for the initial 12 month hire period Family discount with 20% off entire Apollo bike range Find out more information on all of these benefits and many more visit your My Barratt Benefits platform at hrhome.barrattplc.co.uk.
Vitality rewards and benefits Vitality offer a unique approach to your health by not just looking after you when you need access to medical care but by helping you stay fit, active and healthy through rewards and promotional benefits. Some of the rewards and discounts included are: Discounted gym membership with, PureGym, Virgin Active, David Lloyd and Nuffield Health. Virgin Active online discounted membership, providing tailored workout plans. Discounted spa days and stays with Champneys spa resorts. Discounted Garmin devices. Weekly Caffé Nero rewards by earning Vitality points. To find out more, all private medical scheme members can access a variety of promotions and rewards by logging in to the Vitality member zone here.
Free LIFT Session app Did you know that through our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) partnership with Lifeworks you can access their dedicated fitness app, LIFT session. LIFT provides a full suite of fitness offerings that make working out exciting, easy and efficient. It’s like working out at your preferred gym or studio, without ever stepping foot outside your house. The app includes workouts for cardio, including HIIT sessions, pilates, conditioning, exercises to improve strength and stretching - so there really is something for everyone. Once you've downloaded and signed up for the app, you can create a custom fitness journey and chat to their fitness experts if you have any questions. Find out more about LIFT session and sign up today here.
Webinars available to help you get active and provide food education Tuesday 5 April at 10:30am: How to build your own exercise programme
This 60 minute workshop will provide all the tools for you to build your own workout regime from complete beginner to advanced training. They de bunk some of the long standing myths around training and provide great images for correct form and look at the Tank Principle for optimum results. Click here to register.
Wednesday 27 April at 14:00pm: Eat smart: Understanding food labels and eating guilt free
In this educational workshop we show attendees how to effectively read food labels and explore the power of marketing, enabling them to make choices that are best for them, help them save money, and most importantly, eat guilt free. Click here to register.
For information, tools and links on many areas of health and wellbeing please click here to visit our My Barratt Benefits website. For any queries or suggestions, please contact handw@barrattplc.co.uk.