April 7th is World Health Day and this year, the World Health Organisation is focusing on how we can keep humans and the planet healthy, with the 2022 theme being, ‘Our planet, our health’.

The world and humanity have gone through massive change and upheaval these past couple of years—a global pandemic, natural disasters caused by the climate crisis, a polluted planet, an increase in disease, and not to mention, a war that’s not only destroyed a country but has sadly killed many and shattered the lives of thousands. 

It has never been more important to come together as a community and create a movement that’s solely dedicated to looking after the well-being of our planet and also the well-being of humanity. They go hand in hand—we rely on a healthy planet for survival, just as the planet relies on us. 

At Happy Way, we’re committed to not only supporting health, happiness and wellness within ourselves but we’re also passionate about the well-being and health of our planet too. NOW is the time to make a change, and reimagine a better world—for us and for Mother Nature. 

So, what are we doing at Happy Way to look after ourselves and our planet? And, what small actions can you take today to make a difference? Check out our list below. 

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES

Investing in a reusable water bottle and reducing single-use plastic is a simple yet effective way to care for Mother Nature, and one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Not only does a reusable water bottle take less oil to produce, but it significantly cuts down on the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills, oceans and rivers—destroying natural habitats, wildlife and the quality of the environment. If you’re focused on being environmentally sustainable and looking after your own health and well-being, then you should be mindful of what materials are used to make certain reusable bottles. Choosing a stainless steel water bottle, like our Happy Way Matte Drink Bottles, is one of the best options as they require less oil to make and are without the toxins that can often be found in plastics. Our 750 ml bottles are eco-friendly, BPA free and insulated, keeping water cool and your morning coffee hot! You’ll find these bad boys on every team member's desk at Happy Way HQ!

Available in black, pink, white and sage.

Also, check out our Happy Way Stainless Steel Tumblers, available in black, pink and yellow.

AFTERNOON WORK STRETCHES

At Happy Way, we care about the wellness and happiness of our team and are always looking for ways to promote positive team culture and productivity. Every day we encourage everyone to get up out of their chairs and participate in a 5 minute stretch session—to boost blood flow, get the body moving and give the brain a break! Even though it’s only for a short period, a daily stretch at work can provide a tonne of physical and mental benefits. Besides improving posture and warming up the muscles, we find that having a stretch throughout the day increases focus and reduces fatigue—preventing the need for that 2nd or 3rd coffee! Give it a go—you’ll find that it replenishes your mental energy and creativity too.

GET FRESH AIR

There’s nothing like escaping the office and breathing in some fresh air! At Happy Way, we often choose to take our lunch breaks outdoors, making it a priority to step away from our desks and soak up some vitamin D. This is not only important for our mental health but having this break in the day can greatly improve our physical well-being too. Some of the benefits include reducing stress levels, boosting your immune system, improving focus and concentration, and increasing serotonin—which helps to promote feelings of calm and happiness. Also, taking in some afternoon rays is the best way to boost vitamin D levels in the body as very little is found in food and our bodies don’t produce it on their own. Vitamin D is essential in maintaining physical health, as it helps our body to absorb calcium—keeping our bones, muscles and teeth strong—and also supports overall heart health.

CATCH PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Not only can catching a bus, train or tram to work be more cost-effective—especially considering the rise in petrol prices and daily parking—but it’s also super beneficial for the environment, reducing carbon emissions, air pollution and road congestion. When greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere, they have a huge negative impact on the environment, contributing greatly to climate change. So, by choosing to leave the car at home and commuting to the office via public transport, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and helping to protect the planet. Hopping on a bus, train or tram can also help your own well-being too! Avoid the morning and after work traffic jams, skip the road rage stress and instead, sit back and relax on your daily commute. It’s a great opportunity to unwind after a long day, catch up on some reading, or just improve your productivity and overall mental well-being. 

PLANTS IN HAPPY WAY HQ

Our Happy Way HQ is filled with plants, much to the delight of all of our green thumbs in the office! Indoor plants improve air quality by reducing carbon dioxide, which can cause headaches and drowsiness. Plants help to boost concentration, improve productivity and even inspire creativity—which is always welcomed in an office full of creative minds! In the same way that getting out in the fresh air helps us to de-stress and reduce anxiety, being surrounded by plants and looking at greenery promotes feelings of calm, positivity, and connects us with nature. 

BRING HEALTHY PACKED LUNCHES

Ok, so we’re spoiled for choice at Happy Way HQ—we have yummy cafes within walking distance, and our in-house nutritionist Malissa is often whippin’ up a storm in our kitchen, creating delicious, drool-worthy treats for the team to enjoy (check out her recipes here). But at Happy Way, we prioritise bringing a home-packed lunch to work, which not only saves us money but is also more sustainable for the environment too. Bringing healthy packed lunches in reusable containers means no takeaway packaging, single-use plastics, Uber Eats delivery bags or disposable cutlery, which of course means less harmful waste ending up in landfills. We’re also lucky to have reusable cutlery, dishes and glassware at the office, which although is initially an investment for any business, it’s a simple yet effective way to make a difference and have a positive impact on the planet. 

DAILY AFFIRMATIONS

Self-care is something we prioritise at Happy Way, and we like to kick start our day in the office with daily affirmation cards. Affirmations provide many benefits to our overall health and well-being and can help to motivate, inspire and promote positivity in your life. We like to use our cards first thing in the morning to set the tone for the day, and will often keep them by our desk as a friendly reminder to look after ourselves first—there’s nothing more important than self-care! The Happy Way team usually shuffles and waits for the cards to fall out… sometimes it seems like we’re waiting forever! Or, you can simply have a shuffle and choose a card from the deck that you’re drawn to. We love our Hanako Affirmation Cards—a staff favourite!

So, what are you doing to create change and look after our planet and our health? If the climate crisis, environmental issues and the wellness of our planet seem overwhelming to you, know that even the smallest steps can have a positive impact, not only on your environment but on those around you too.

Making change starts with YOU!

This World Health Day, take the time to care for yourself and your planet.