Episode 5 - Desk-Bound Culture: Why It’s Time to Break the Habit with Anna Quinn

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In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at something most of us slip into without meaning to - spending workdays sitting still. Imogen is joined by Anna Quinn, Wellbeing Officer at Bangor University, to talk about how this “desk-bound culture” crept in, what it’s doing to our energy and focus, and why moving more during the day doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming.

Together, we explore the small, realistic changes anyone can try — from walking meetings and standing tasks to using tech creatively and building short movement breaks back into busy schedules. We also discuss the personal side of movement: how our habits form, what gets in the way, and the surprising ways that tiny bits of activity can boost mood, concentration and overall wellbeing.

It’s a relaxed, practical conversation full of real-life examples, small wins and encouragement for anyone wanting to feel better at work — one simple movement at a time.

Additional Resources from Anna:

Active Workplace Champion Training | Bangor University

Reading list:

In Praise of Walking : The new science of how we walk and why it’s good for us: Shane O'Mara: 9781784707576: hive.co.uk

The book is also available in BU library for staff and students to borrow: https://library.bangor.ac.uk/permalink/44WHELF_BANG/6bc255/alma991005270698502422

Paper by ML Griffiths at Public Health Wales on changes to activity levels of home-workers during Covid:

(PDF) Exploring the health impacts and inequalities of the new way of working: findings from a cross-sectional study

Physical Literacy Across the Lifecourse by Margaret Whitehead – compulsory reading for anyone wanting to learn about Physical Literacy:

Physical Literacy: Throughout the Lifecourse - 1st Edition - Margaret

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