In anticipation of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, ASICS has enlisted renowned actor Brian Cox to urge individuals to step away from their desks and engage in physical activity for the sake of their mental well-being through a compelling Public Service Announcement (PSA).
Findings from the State of Mind Study
ASICS’ comprehensive State of Mind study, which surveyed 26,000 individuals, uncovered a significant link between sedentary habits and mental health, revealing a decline in State of Mind scores as inactivity prolonged. Additional research into desk-oriented work found that after merely two hours of continuous desk engagement, State of Mind scores begin to diminish, while stress levels escalate. After four hours without a break, stress levels rise dramatically by 18%. However, a recent Desk Break experiment demonstrates that just 15 minutes of physical movement can effectively counteract these negative effects.
The Desk Break Experiment
Overseen by Dr Brendon Stubbs from King’s College London, the Desk Break experiment discovered that when office workers incorporated just 15 minutes of activity into their daily routines, their mental state improved by an impressive 22.5%. Participants’ overall State of Mind scores increased from 62/100 to 76/100. The experiment revealed that taking a daily Desk Break for one week led to a 14.7% reduction in stress levels, a 33.2% increase in productivity, and a 28.6% enhancement in focus. Participants also reported feeling 33.3% more relaxed and 28.6% calmer and more resilient. Notably, 79.2% indicated they would show greater loyalty to employers who supported regular movement breaks.
The PSA Message
In the PSA, Brian Cox embodies the role of a stern boss to underscore the hidden threat to our mental well-being posed by our desks. The announcement encourages office workers to prioritise their mental health by taking regular Desk Breaks, short bursts of movement during their workday.
Brian Cox’s Perspective
Emmy Award-winning actor Brian Cox remarked: “I’ve portrayed some pretty formidable characters in my time, but who would have thought a desk could be so intimidating? It’s encouraging to witness ASICS leading the way in promoting mental health awareness and motivating individuals to focus on their well-being through physical activity. As I express in the film, whether you run, jump, or even roller skate, it all counts. Just move for your mind.
Global Initiative by ASICS
Globally, ASICS is motivating its office-based workforce to prioritise their mental well-being by incorporating frequent movement breaks into their routines.
On World Mental Health Day, 10 October 2024, ASICS invites office workers to participate in the #DeskBreak movement and experience the mental health benefits. Workers who can take a 15-minute Desk Break are encouraged to share photos of their empty desks, with submissions helping to raise funds for mental health charities worldwide.
Expert Commentary
Dr Brendon Stubbs, a leading authority on exercise and mental health from King’s College London, stated: “We have previously demonstrated that even 15 minutes of exercise during leisure time can lead to a meaningful enhancement in State of Mind scores. What surprised us with the Desk Break experiment was how impactful those 15-minute movement breaks were in boosting well-being and alleviating stress. It even positively altered people’s perceptions of their work environment.”
Tomoko Koda, Managing Executive Officer for ASICS, added: “At ASICS, we advocate for the importance of movement, not just for physical health, but for mental wellness as well. This is the reason behind our name, ASICS, derived from the Latin phrase ‘Anima Sana in Corpore Sano,’ which translates to ‘A Sound Mind in a Sound Body.’ Our worldwide research uncovered the concerning impact of extended periods spent at a desk on mental well-being. Thus, we wanted to convey a strong message from the world’s most intimidating boss to motivate individuals to engage in movement for their mental health.
We eagerly anticipate the display of empty desk photos on World Mental Health Day as a representation of our dedication to this important issue.
