A Short Film by Asics Encourages Employees to Take Breaks and Move

Asics has launched a new short film starring renowned actor Brian Cox, aimed at encouraging employees to take active breaks during their workday. This initiative is part of the celebration of World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10, and seeks to highlight the importance of physical activity for mental well-being.

The Connection Between Sedentary Behavior and Mental Well-Being

A global study titled State of Mind, which involved 26,000 participants from 22 countries, has revealed a clear relationship between sedentary habits and psychological well-being. The results indicate that mood scores significantly decline as people spend more time without engaging in physical activity. This research has demonstrated that after just two hours of continuous desk work, mental well-being begins to deteriorate, and stress levels increase significantly after four hours of inactivity. Specifically, it was found that after four hours, stress levels can rise by as much as 18%.

Promoting Movement in the Workplace

Instead of offering traditional benefits like free fruit or “Wellness Wednesdays,” Asics encourages employees to prioritize their mental health by incorporating short exercise sessions during their work hours. The Desk Break experiment, overseen by Dr. Brendon Stubbs from King’s College London, has shown that adding just 15 minutes of physical activity can have a positive impact on employees’ mental state, boosting their mood score by an impressive 22.5%, from 62 to 76 out of 100.

The results of the experiment reveal that employees who take a 15-minute break to move can experience a 14.7% reduction in stress levels, a 33.2% increase in productivity, and a 28.6% improvement in concentration. Additionally, 33% of participants felt more relaxed, while 28.6% reported feeling calmer and more patient. Surprisingly, 79.2% of respondents stated that if they were offered more regular breaks, they would feel more loyal to their employer.

A Comprehensive Study on the Impact of Exercise

The State of Mind 2024 study was conducted between November 17 and December 21, 2023, exploring the relationship between physical exercise and mood worldwide. The study included over 26,000 participants from various nations, spanning from Australia to the United Kingdom, and analyzed how prolonged desk work affects our mental state.

In September 2024, a follow-up investigation was conducted, interviewing over 7,000 office workers in several countries, including the United States, Japan, and Brazil. The sample was representative in terms of age and gender, providing a comprehensive view of the impact of sedentary behavior on mental health.

Insights from Brian Cox and Health Experts

Brian Cox, who has portrayed many intimidating characters in his career, emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating, “I’ve played some pretty intimidating characters in my life, but who would have thought a desk could be scarier?” His involvement in the short film aims to highlight the importance of exercise as a means to care for mental health. In his own words, “Run, jump, skate. I don’t care. Just move for your mind.”

Gary Raucher, EVP of Asics for EMEA, added that the company is committed to promoting physical activity among its employees. “We have already demonstrated how 15 minutes of exercise can significantly improve people’s State of Mind scores. What surprised us about the desk break experiment was the effectiveness of movement breaks in enhancing well-being and reducing stress. These small breaks can positively change how people perceive their workplace,” Raucher commented.

A Call to Action

Asics reaffirms its commitment to holistic well-being, highlighting its philosophy that an active body contributes to a healthy mind. Its name, which is an acronym for the Latin Anima sana in corpore sano, reflects this belief. The company hopes to inspire workers around the world to incorporate exercise into their daily routines and mentally benefit from these practices. With the approach of World Mental Health Day, Asics looks forward to seeing more active and healthier workplaces, encouraging everyone to make movement an essential part of their day.

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