The pandemic has wreaked havoc on people’s healthy habits, including a balanced diet. This unusual situation can be mentally and physically exhausting, and the authorities are practically instructing people to stay home with a fridge full of food. Many are wondering how to lose their lockdown-induced weight and improve their energy levels, particularly at work.
Not to worry – it can be done! At Delingua, a playful quip in 2018 about the biggest loser in the company resulted in a wellness challenge in which 10 Delingua team members competed in losing weight. In total, the participants lost an incredible 55 kg. This time, eight Delingua team members took on the challenge, losing a total of 49.9 kg during the first three months of the year! The average weight loss per person was about 6.25 kg.
Training and delicious dishes
The wellness group was supported by Personal Trainer Marja Juntunen who had a remote meeting with the participants every couple of weeks. She helped the participants keep their eyes on the prize and maintain their motivation, even in times of weakness.
Regular meals, a suitable level of everyday activity and adequate recovery have been some of the key factors in the weight loss journey. Some participants have found more time for exercise when working from home while those working at the office have appreciated the diverse and seasonal lunches of our workplace restaurant Pihka. Since restaurants closed down, the low-calorie ready-made meals of Epic Foods have become a staff favourite and a staple in our fridge. Weight loss doesn’t have to be boring and tasteless!
Walkies and office workouts
In 2015, the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health estimated that adult Finns sit, lie or stand still for more than three quarters of their waking hours. Working from home and the general COVID-19 restrictions have certainly not improved the situation. Modern work can be carried out lying sprawled on the sofa. That is why it is important to promote your health every step of the way.
We have enjoyed brisk walks with Delingua’s numerous office dogs. During the pandemic, four new puppies have been recruited to assist our office dog Toto. Exactly 50% of Delingua team members are now dog owners.
Adequate recovery
In the past, working from home may have been considered a more relaxed alternative to working at the office, but the pandemic has increased stress factors in remote work. There are no more spontaneous chats with colleagues, and people spend their breaks alone, staring at their screens. Moreover, the end of the working day is not as clear-cut as before. Unfortunately, this has had an effect on both the general workforce and our own team.
The need for sleep and the ability to recover vary from person to person. Every person has and needs their own ways of ensuring adequate recovery. When office workouts, restorative days off and refreshing walks in a forest no longer do the trick, we particularly recommend handicrafts. In fact, Delingua’s handicrafts club has gained several new members during the pandemic. The number of sock knitters is quickly approaching the number of dog owners.
Delingua’s office workout
We also recommend getting out of your chair regularly and trying out an office workout. Quick exercise relaxes muscle tension and restores energy levels after sitting still for a long time.
Here are some basic moves:
- Roll your shoulders back and pull your shoulder blades down. Repeat this movement 5 times.
- Pull your chin back slowly. Hold your head in this position for a moment. Repeat 5 times.
- Stand up against a wall, with your lower back and head touching the wall. Keep your feet about 5 cm from the wall and bring your arms up to a 90-degree angle. Move your arms gently up and down. Repeat this movement 10 times.
- Stand in front of your chair and squat down so that your behind touches the chair. Do 20 squats.
With these results and tips, we challenge all of our customers to increase their well-being and energy levels, whether you are interested in losing weight, being more active or controlling your stress. Who’s in?
