Here are five tips to help employees successfully manage mental health and reduce feelings of burnout through physical activity.

Help employees define boundaries and timing for self-care, exercise, and nutrition. Finding the time and motivation to exercise is a significant hurdle for many people, especially if they're just starting out. Encourage employees to start small to establish easy victories that they can build from. That may include creating fitness groups in the office, sending reminders in corporate communications, or providing resources like on-demand, virtual fitness classes that allow employees to explore activities that meet both their interests and their ability level. Even better, on-demand classes are available to employees on their schedule.
Cover all elements of physical fitness. Variety is important in any exercise plan. Some people may not have a single type of exercise they love, and even people who are dedicated cyclists, runners, or weightlifters will benefit from a mix that includes cardio, strength, and flexibility. Encourage employees to make all forms of fitness part of their routine. Virtual fitness classes are useful here because they offer a range of activities so employees can take a yoga class one day and a high-intensity interval class the next.
Celebrate wellbeing wins. Committing to a physical fitness routine isn't easy, and feeling like nobody recognizes your efforts makes it that much harder. To help, find ways to celebrate employees' wellbeing wins. For example, you might reward participation in a group fitness challenge or completion of an outside event like a marathon, fun run, or triathlon. Mention accomplishments in corporate communications or offer appropriate rewards, such as workout gear or clothing.
Unite employees in a common goal. Exercise doesn't have to be solitary. In fact, when people work out with a friend they feel more motivated and more adventurous, and they're more consistent in their activity. It can even create a little healthy competition. Creating groups within the workplace allows like-minded employees to build an exercise support system. Similarly, group fitness challenges – especially tied to a charitable donation or other community involvement – brings people together to accomplish something worthwhile.
Encourage employees to make stretching a part of their day. If employees are going to be more active, it's important to help them keep their body flexible and ready to move. Otherwise, they risk muscle strains, sprains, or worse. Prepare employees with some easy stretches, or offer on-demand, virtual fitness with classes that cover basic and advanced stretching activities, including quick breaks employees can use to work out the kinks of a long day at their desk.

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Get physical to fight employee burnout

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