Do you long to be outside instead of in the office?
Being chained to their desks for long periods of time is clearly having an affect on the nation’s psyche this summer. Research has found that over half of men, and almost two thirds of women said they feel depressed at having to work inside during the summer.
A new survey by T-Mobile has found that desk-bound Brits are now so deprived of sunlight and fresh air that they could be at risk from seasonal affective disorder during the sunnier months. Though the trouble typically takes hold in winter, the study of 2,000 Brits, including 1,000 office workers has found that 57 % of people get depressed working inside during good weather and that women and young workers are the most susceptible - 60% of women and 61% of 18-34 year olds say they are affected. The survey also found that 79% of workers spend less than an hour outside during the average working day
Chartered psychologist, Dr Rob Yeung, explains that scientific research proves that sunshine can affect our moods and physiological processes and predicts that scientists will uncover 'summer affective disorder' - when the sun is shining but you cannot get outside to experience it. He says: “Not getting enough exposure to sunshine can affect your brain chemistry, sleep cycles and mood; all contributing to your morale and attitude towards whatever is keeping you inside when the sun is shining.â€
Fear not though. Dr Rob Yeung recommends some top tips to help you beat the summer blues and lift your spirits come rain or shine:
Get outside as often as you ca - Whether it’s pouring with rain or cloudless blue skies, getting out of the office exposes people to fresh, natural air, which can provide a real boost to the body and refresh the mind
Take a full lunch hour - The lunch hour typically falls halfway through the day, and is a perfect time to stretch the legs, refresh and recharge for the afternoon. A proper lunch break can help to clear the mind and, of course, a healthy, well-balanced lunch can provide the nutrition that drives people to the finishing line. People that don’t make time for a lunch and make do with a sandwich over the keyboard whilst emailing one handed may be more likely to suffer hunger pangs later in the day, resulting in fatty, sugary binges that cause highs and lows of energy throughout the day
Have a break - After completing a piece of work, many people move straight on to the next task, without giving themselves even thirty seconds to reflect on what they’ve just done and properly ‘tee up’ for what they’re about to do. This can lead to poor concentration. Get a cup of tea, stand up for a couple of seconds or even just stretch before starting the next job
Do something different every day - Routine provides order, structure and discipline into our lives; all requisites for functioning as a socially responsible person. However, it can also make us sleep walk through the day, going through life on autopilot. Doing something different, even if it’s only walking on the other side of the street on the way to work, can help shake up the routine
Trust your staff - Employers need to trust their staff, and show that they know the work will get done whether they’re sat at their desk or abseiling down Everest. Knowing they are trusted will empower employees to produce the best work they can
Be active - don’t email colleagues for something, get up and ask them. Speaking face-to-face allows you to be much more socially nuanced than bashing words out in electronic form
Ban yourself from eating at your desk - If you’re at your desk, people will approach you about work, whether you’re eating or not. You won’t ever be ‘off’, and you’re also less likely to eat a decent meal
Incorporate the outside world with your work - We are no longer chained to our desks, thanks to inexpensive and widely available modern technology such as mobile broadband. Use it to have a meeting in a coffee shop, have a brainstorm in the pub, do an interview in a park; the change in scenery will help enrich your creativity, allowing you to think more clearly and in different ways to the way you would do in the office
Connect socially - If you’re out and about, mixing with people you don’t see every day, you will benefit from the social interaction, even if it’s nothing more than ordering a pint. The change in personnel from your daily routine will be stimulating and engage your senses that may have dulled from seeing the same people every day
Measure yourself on productivity - Too many people consider time at desk as time spent working. As a society we need to get away from this idea that all those hours in the office is automatically a good idea or even a badge of honour, and it’s never good for either ourselves or our employers
JessicaWatson - Female First