.png)
Exploring the Link Between Mental Well-Being and Exercise: A Recap of Our February 13th Well-Being Event
At Naimuri, we are committed to fostering a supportive and healthy work environment. As part of this commitment, we regularly host in-person and hybrid well-being events that focus on the physical and mental health of our colleagues. On 13th February, we held an in-person session to explore the link between mental well-being and exercise, and how this connection impacts each of us personally.
Defining Mental Health
We began this session by asking the group, “What is mental health, and what does it mean to you personally?”. The responses varied, reflecting the diverse experiences and perspectives within our team. For some, mental health was linked to self-awareness, the ability to understand and manage emotions. Others shared that mental health affects their relationship with themselves, with moments of doubt or disconnection when things feel out of balance. Some participants spoke of the challenge of feeling misaligned with their true selves when their mental health is impacted.
While there wasn’t a single definition, one theme emerged clearly; mental health is deeply personal, and its impact can be profound, affecting every aspect of our lives. Maintaining mental well-being requires self-awareness, compassion, empathy and effort.
Conducting a SWOT Analysis
To better understand how we can support mental health at Naimuri, we conducted a SWOT analysis during the session.
This exercise helped us reflect on our current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in fostering a healthy and supportive work environment.
Strengths:
- Social Clubs: Initiatives like book clubs and team-building activities promote connection and camaraderie
- Well-being Culture: There is a growing culture around well-being, with regular check-ins and initiatives to support mental health
- Informal Well-Being Catch Up: Coffee mornings and team/personal managers’ well-being sessions provide informal spaces for employees to connect and check in on each other
- Flexible Working Patterns: Flexible work options allow employees to balance their personal and professional lives, supporting overall well-being
- Mental Health First Aiders: Having trained colleagues available ensures that support is readily accessible when needed.
Weaknesses:
- Office Cake Culture: While a sweet treat can be a nice gesture, an overemphasis on food rather than physical activity can hinder overall well-being
- Isolation When Working Remotely: Remote work can sometimes lead to feelings of disconnection, with employees potentially masking their emotions behind a screen
Opportunities:
- Need for More Physical Activities: There’s an opportunity to introduce more physical activities at work such as the yoga sessions we use to do, to help employees stay active and reduce stress
- Becoming an Agency: We have the potential to expand our well-being programmes and create a broader network of support across the company
- Diverse & Inclusive Well-Being Events: Tailoring well-being initiatives to meet the needs of all employees can ensure that everyone feels included and supported
- Normalising Conversations Around Mental Health: Creating a culture where discussing mental, emotional and psychological well-being is not only accepted but encouraged
Threats:
- Burnout: Failing to prioritise well-being can lead to burnout, affecting both individual health and overall productivity
- Distraction & Lack of Focus: Without proper well-being practices, employees may struggle to focus and perform at their best
- Chronic Health Conditions: Long-term neglect of mental health can result in chronic physical and mental health issues, which could impact work/life balance
Embedding Exercise into Our Well-Being Culture
One of the key takeaways from the session was the importance of integrating exercise into our daily routines to support mental health. A great well-being culture goes beyond awareness; it requires action. Regular physical activity is proven to boost mood, reduce stress and improve focus.
We discussed the value of getting together regularly and how simple movements, such as taking frequent breaks, working for 50 minutes followed by a 10 minute desk stretch, or going for a walk, can make a huge difference. Movement is truly medicine, and embedding this into our culture will help us improve both mental and physical health.
Reflections on the Event
The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritising both mental and physical well-being. Hearing colleagues share their experiences and insights on what mental health means to them and how they incorporate exercise into their routines was inspiring.
At Naimuri, we remain dedicated to providing spaces for these important conversations and activities. We look forward to hosting more well-being events where we can continue to learn, grow and support each other both personally and professionally.
Thank you to everyone who participated in making this event impactful. Together, we are building a workplace that truly values well-being, inside and out.
