ASICS has recently launched a powerful Public Service Announcement (PSA) featuring actor Brian Cox, who takes on the role of the World’s Scariest Boss to draw attention to the negative impact of prolonged desk-based work on mental health. The PSA is part of ASICS’ efforts to raise awareness about the importance of taking breaks from desk work to engage in physical activity for improved mental well-being.
A global study conducted by ASICS, involving 26,000 participants, highlighted a significant decline in mental health after just two hours of continuous desk work, with stress levels escalating after four hours. However, the study also revealed that incorporating just 15 minutes of exercise into the workday can help reverse these effects, leading to a 22.5% improvement in mental state scores.
Dr. Brendon Stubbs from King’s College London oversaw the Desk Break experiment, which demonstrated that short movement breaks during the workday can lead to a 14.7% reduction in stress levels, a 33.2% increase in productivity, and a 28.6% improvement in focus. Participants reported feeling more relaxed, calm, and resilient after incorporating these breaks into their daily routine.
In the PSA, Brian Cox emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health by encouraging office workers to take Desk Breaks and engage in physical activity. ASICS is advocating for a #DeskBreak movement, inviting employees to share images of their empty desks on World Mental Health Day to support mental health charities globally.
ASICS’ initiative aligns with its core belief in the power of movement to promote positive mental health. The company’s name, an acronym for “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano” or “Sound Mind in a Sound Body,” reflects its commitment to helping individuals achieve holistic well-being through physical activity.
By shedding light on the detrimental effects of prolonged desk work on mental health and promoting the benefits of regular movement breaks, ASICS hopes to inspire a global movement towards prioritizing mental well-being in the workplace. Through initiatives like the Desk Break experiment and the #DeskBreak movement, ASICS aims to empower individuals to take proactive steps towards improving their mental health through physical activity.