Walk right past that elevator and find the staircase.
You’ll be benefiting your health and humanity:
- The small break in your day will stimulate your mind to perform better when you return to your desk.
- Moving your body up and down those stairs will get your heart rate up and help you to live (slightly) longer.
- Your lungs will want more oxygen, so you’ll breathe deeper.
- The added stress to your legs will actually increase your bone density.
- Your refreshed mind and body will make you better company for your co-workers.
- It’s a quick and easy way to add at least a little exercise into your day.
- Taking those steps will help you lose weight… a little bit is better than none!
- No special clothing is required.
- Elevators use a tremendous amount of energy. Riding solo vs. taking the stairs consumes enough energy to power your stove for three hours. (Well, I’m just making that up. But it does take a huge amount of energy to move that giant chunk of metal up and down the elevator shaft.)
Disclaimers:
- If you work in a skyscraper, this does not apply. Use your good judgment. At least you can take a few flights of stairs up and down when you need to use the necessary room.
- Some buildings handily lock their stairways for security purposes. (What happens when there’s a fire?)
- Not everyone can take stairs! But you can take a break, anyhow. Just look away from your screen for a bit.
When I worked in the WBT Huntington Beach office, I used to take the 3 flights of stairs on my breaks, going up and down several times. But I’ve found that many buildings, even shorter than skyscrapers, lock their stairwells as a security measure so you have no choice but to use the elevator except in emergencies.
Great point! It’s impossible to take the stairs sometimes.
And I wonder – what happens when there’s a fire? Would the doors instantly open? Not necessarily!