Employee performance depends on good mental health. Self-care is a practical way for employees to protect their mental well-being, but many organizations struggle to make it part of the daily routine. Without adequate time or resources for mental health, employees may become disengaged, experience higher absenteeism, or lose confidence. Learn how movement can be a simple and effective way to support mental health and help employees perform at their best.
Movement: A Mental Health Intervention
Many factors can affect employees’ mental and physical health at work, but a lack of physical activity is a significant one. Less than 25% of American adults meet the recommended guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise. This sedentary behavior is linked to a higher risk for chronic conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and depression.
Movement does more than improve physical health; it also proactively supports mental well-being. It can help reduce stress and serve as natural support for mild to moderate depression and anxiety. Physical activity also helps people manage their emotions and build confidence. As people begin to feel stronger and more capable, that confidence can carry into the workplace, influencing how well employees manage pressure, communicate, and stay focused throughout the day.
More Movement, More Confidence at Work
Research shows that people who are more active often report higher self-esteem. This is partly because movement helps people feel better and gives them a sense of achievement. When employees feel better emotionally, they’re more likely to feel confident in their abilities, trust their judgment, and recognize the value they bring to their work.
Strength-training can be especially helpful. It builds confidence and a sense of mastery by showing people they can improve, adapt, and get stronger over time.
Importantly, the confidence boost from physical activity doesn’t require intense effort or long-term commitments. Regular activity delivers the greatest benefits, but research shows that even a single session of exercise can improve mood and reduce stress right away.
Movement Builds Emotional Capacity
Regular physical activity can help people become more patient, empathetic, and better able to handle stress and emotions. Movement not only boosts mood, but it also builds emotional capacity, helping employees stay calm, resilient, and effective under pressure.
When employees feel better physically, they often treat themselves with more respect. That change can have far-reaching effects, including better focus, stronger working relationships, more consistent performance, and higher retention over time.
Making Self-Care a Workplace Wellness Strategy
Many people think of self-care as a personal luxury, or something to pursue outside of work when time allows. In reality, it’s an important workplace wellness strategy that helps employees manage their emotions, stay energized, and perform effectively under pressure.
At its core, self-care means giving employees what they need to feel and work at their best. Movement is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support that.
Aaptiv: Making Self-Care Easy and Accessible
Aaptiv helps employees practice self-care by offering personalized, on-demand fitness, mobility, and mindfulness programs that fit into the workday. By encouraging regular movement, Aaptiv supports both physical and mental health, helping employees stay focused, confident, and engaged.
Learn more about Aaptiv employee fitness and wellness benefit solutions.
