Your top tips for walking more during the working day

This week's winning entry was submitted by Anna, from team Central Library, who shared how she boosts her steps and saves time by taking the stairs.

I take steps instead of the lift, it's amazing how many steps you can achieve and I've noticed it's sometimes quicker and definitely healthier for me and the environment. After work, I take an audiobook (and my dog) for a walk, and I noticed the walks are then a bit longer as I'm lost in a good story plus I get the extra loving points from my dog.

Mark, from team Walking on Sunshine, won a runner-up prize by sharing how getting outside at lunchtime can help you de-stress and get active during the working day.

Rather than eating at your desk, go outside at lunchtime. It can be a great de-stress to walk a circuit on paths, through parks or just around the block. It can be a great way to connect with your colleagues suggesting taking lunch out to a park or organising a weekly picnic in a pleasant location a short walk away.

Ruth, from team R.I.P.E for change, is also a fan of a lunchtime walk, and taking short breaks during the day to get moving. Ruth's top tip won our second runner-up prize.  

Put a block in your diary for a lunchtime walk to reduce risk of working through lunch. Take regular breaks and get up and move to another area or floor to make a cup of tea/ use toilet/ pop outside for a quick break. Use wireless headphone during calls and walk around the room if suitable for this.

Rosie, from team Water Science Wanderers, prefers staying active during calls and meetings.

While on site, I pace back and forward while waiting on timers during analysis work. When I am on calls, if I don't need to see the screen, I pace around. If I am in a meeting heavy day I will walk on my treadmill for part of my meetings.

Emma, from team Parks Pacers, recommends deskercises to keep your energy levels and step count high.

Try to mix it up with little habits like always taking the stairs instead of the lift, using a faraway kitchen to make a cup of tea, doing walking meetings, finding a lunch-walk bu

ddy, or sneaking in 'deskercises' like stretches or shoulder rolls.

Hannah, from team C&C H&S Mission Possible, suggests scheduling a break from the computer screen to get outside and exercise.

Set yourself a calendar reminder to get up for 5 minutes every hour to build up steps gradually throughout the day. Make sure to block out a screen free hour and try get out for a walk during that time. Can informal meeting be changed to walking meetings? This is a great way to connect with colleagues on a personal level and stretch your legs.

A big thank you to everyone who shared their top tips. Remember to look out for next week's competition in our weekly email updates.