Sports brand ASICS has released the results of its 2024 Global State of Mind study, which assesses the connection between sedentary behaviour and mental wellbeing.
The survey involved 26,000 participants across 22 markets and found that State of Mind scores declined the longer individuals remained inactive.
Key findings included:
- On a global scale, the average State of Mind score was 65/100.
- Globally, the research revealed that survey respondents who were sedentary for 10 to 12 hours a day reported a lower State of Mind score of 62/100 versus those who were sedentary for only four to six hours a day (66/100).
- More regionally, in the UAE, those who were sedentary for nine to 10 hours a day reported a 62/100 State of Mind score versus those who were sedentary for only four to five hours a day (67/100).
- In Saudi Arabia, the difference was even greater. Those who reported being sedentary for 11 to 12 hours a day reported a State of Mind score of 65/100 versus those who were sedentary for only four to five hours a day (77/100).
In the 2024 ASICS State of Mind Index, Saudi Arabia ranked 2nd, while the UAE came in at 8th.
In further research, which surveyed 7,000 desk-based workers across the US, UK, Australia, Japan, the Netherlands, Germany and Brazil, it was found that those who worked at their desks consecutively for six or more hours had a lower State of Mind score of 59/100, compared to those who worked for up to two hours, who scored 62/100.
Stress levels also went up based on how many hours of uninterrupted desk-based work.
After four hours, stress scores rose by 18 per cent (from 49/100 to 58/100).
Those who spend a full working day continuously at their desk (8 or more hours) reported a 25 per cent increase in stress levels compared to those who take a break after four hours.
By contrast, when workers added just 15 minutes of movement into their working day, average State of Mind scores increased by 22.5 per cent, average confidence levels increased by 13.3 per cent, anxiety levels decreased by 12 per cent and perceived stress levels decreased by 14.7 per cent.
Objective stress levels, measured by heart-rate variability, also decreased by 13.3 per cent, productivity was boosted by 33.2 per cent and focus improved by 28.6 per cent.
Taking daily Desk Break for just one week led to consistent stress reduction, with participants reporting feeling 33.3 per cent more relaxed, and 28.6 per cent more calm and resilient.
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