With many companies around the world beginning to experiment with the shortened four-day work week, new evidence supporting this approach also comes from scientific research: according to a study by the University of South Australia and published Per the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, a weekend longer than three days is beneficial for health, increasing the level of physical activity, reducing a sedentary lifestyle and improving sleep quality, with effects lasting even for two weeks after rest. a period. So, according to the study authors, perhaps it’s time we embrace the short work week model to improve our physical and mental health.
Researchers led by Ty Ferguson followed 308 adults who participated in an experiment by wearing bracelets capable of monitoring physical activity and vital signs for 13 months, 24 hours a day. The participants took an average of 2-3 vacations of 12 days each: the results showed that during these periods, moderate to intense physical activity increased by 13%, a sedentary lifestyle decreased by 5%, and sleep hours were extended by at least 4%.
“In particular, the approximately 21 extra minutes of sleep gained per day can have a number of positive effects on our physical and mental health,” comments Ferguson: “For example, getting enough sleep can help improve our mood, cognitive function, and productivity. It also helps reduce the risk of a number of health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression. Moreover – adds the researcher – it is interesting to note that the extent of these improvements increases along with the duration of the holiday, “so the weekend The longer, for three days instead of two, brings better health benefits.
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