Sun.Star Pampanga

SPORTS AND HEALTH EMPLOYEES’ BENEFITS

- ROMEO P. KABIGTING

Adults spend a great deal of their time at work. Thus, the workplace can be an effective setting to integrate sports and other physical activities. Fitness programs at work can help employees who normally cannot find the time after office hours to do even a simple physical activity such as walking. Business owners must encourage health and wellness programs in the workplace because studies have shown that these kinds of programs benefit both the employees and the employers.

Sports play a great role in our life as it keeps us healthy, wealthy and active. We can have a healthy mind only when we have a healthy body. Great achievemen­ts come our way when we maintain our physical and mental well-being.

We can say sports as forms of competitiv­e physical activity played by the people through casual or organized participat­ion. It helps everyone to improve and maintain physical ability and skills.

Being involved in sports activities benefits a person in many ways. It does not provide only physical strength however it increases mental power too. Outdoor sports such as football, volleyball, basketball, running, and etc helps in improving physical health and mental fitness. However, some indoor games and sports like brain games, chess, Sudoku, etc. improves mental power and concentrat­ion level.

It improves the physiologi­cal functions of the body organs and thus positively regulates whole body functionin­g. It helps in maintainin­g the body health and thus keeps mind peaceful, sharp, and active with improved concentrat­ion. It boosts the body and mind power and energy level. It gives everyone a nice break from the monotonous life. Sports have been known to contribute to healthy bones, muscles and joints; lower stress and aid in relaxation; reduce body fat and tone muscles; decrease the risk of contractin­g diseases such as cancer and diabetes; and improve co-ordination and balance. It teaches everyone to work in team by developing a sense of cooperatio­n and building team-spirit. More inclinatio­n towards sports makes both, a person and a nation, financiall­y healthy strong. So, it should be promoted by the parents, teachers and government of the country.

According to Health Fitness Revolution these are the Top 10 Benefits of A Workplace Wellness for employees:

1. Fun-Sometimes work gets boring, repetitive and draining. This drains morale and lowers productivi­ty. Try mixing things up by partaking in the activities and initiative­s going on in your work’s wellness program that interests you.

2. Improved Productivi­ty-Engaging in workplace wellness activities, like exercise and

focused for tasks, and you’ll feel more energized and motivated to accomplish work. No more falling asleep and feeling burned out. That’s what exercise and nutrition does to us.

3. Happier-According to the AFLAC 2012 Workforce Report, employees who took part in a workplace wellness program are more satisfied at their jobs than those who don’t partake. The people who engaged in their companies program were generally more content overall with work related factors. This is because healthy living doing just make you look good, but nourishes the way you feel as well. Healthy living can make you happy.

4. Builds Community- Group activities that involve health and fitness will get you connected not only more to your company, but to your fellow employees as well. You’ll start to form relationsh­ips that haven’t been available to you before because having a wellness program in place engages all members of the company. That being said, everyone will benefit from the shared experience­s and your social health can thrive.

5. Lower Healthcare Costs-If you’re at a workplace that promotes exercise and taking care of your health for hours a day, your whole well being will benefit. This in turn makes

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