Embracing Active Commuting at Auckland Sea Kayaks: A Journey Towards Better Mental Health and Well-being
Recently, Jane Phare of the New Zealand Herald highlighted the benefits of active commuting in this article. She discussed how running or cycling to work can help you stay fit, improve mental health, save money, and enhance workplace performance. Auckland Sea Kayaks owner, Nic Mead, was featured in this piece, showcasing how our team embraces active commuting to foster a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Nic Mead: Commuting on Foot
In Jane’s article, Nic shares how he’s evolved his commute each day into dedicated time for exercise. Currently training for his 10th marathon, Nic now devotes more than two hours each day to running to and from the Auckland Sea Kayaks base in Mt Eden to his home in Titirangi. For him, it’s no longer a mode of transport but an essential part of his routine that contributes to his happiness and mental health.
Nic’s journey towards active commuting began in 2019 when he moved to Titirangi. Initially, he drove to work, finding it the most practical option. However, the daily grind of traffic and the associated stress soon made him reconsider. “I always thought work was too far away to run or bike to. I had this mental block in my head,” Nic recalls. The frustration of being stuck in traffic and arriving home grumpy pushed him to seek alternatives.
Transition to Running
Initially, Nic started biking to work, but soon he found his true passion in running. For the past four months, he’s been running 13.5km each way, every day. Each run takes about an hour and ten minutes, providing him with precious “me-time” before and after work. Nic cleverly tricks his brain into viewing each run as a fresh start by changing his running clothes and shoes for the return journey.
This routine not only keeps him physically fit but also serves as his meditation and processing time. “I use running for my meditation, my thinking and processing time and I would not do that in a car,” he says. The mental clarity and relaxation he gains from these runs allow him to engage fully with the challenge of a working day when he arrives and also be more present with his family once he’s home. “When I turn up at home I’m a lot more relaxed, and I’ve had my me-time,” he adds.
The Broader Benefits of Active Commuting
Jane Phare’s article also highlights how active commuting, whether it’s running, biking, or walking, offers extensive benefits that go beyond physical fitness. International research highlights a strong link between physical activity and improved mental health. Regular exercise can protect against depression, reduce stress, improve sleep, and aid in weight management. It also lowers the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
Fran McEwan, the active recreation manager for Sport NZ, emphasizes that the benefits of physical activity evolve over a person’s life. From childhood to older age, finding a form of exercise that fits into one’s lifestyle is crucial. McEwan suggests that even 30 minutes of exercise a day can make a significant difference.
Supporting Active Commuting at Auckland Sea Kayaks
At Auckland Sea Kayaks, we actively support our team members in their pursuit of active commuting. We believe that a healthy, active lifestyle translates to better performance in the workplace and a more balanced personal life.
Our commitment to active commuting is not just about fitness; it’s about creating a culture of health and happiness. Whether it’s running, biking, kayaking or any other form of physical activity, we encourage everyone to find what works best for them and integrate it into their daily routine. We have a few ‘work bikes’ that we supply to our staff throughout the season, and encourage our team to reconsider commuting by private vehicle where possible.
We are proud to see our team members feature in articles such as this and hope to continue supporting our team in making healthier choices every day.
