Wellness in Shared Spaces: Thriving in a Co-Work Environment

The rise of co-working and flexible workspaces has transformed how we approach our professional lives. White these environments offer unprecedented flexibility and networking opportunities among diverse professionals, they can also present unique challenges to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

Let’s explore why wellness is crucial in shared workspaces and how to cultivate it effectively - with a little help from our members!

Why Wellness matters in Co-Working environments

A healthy lifestyle encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here are several reasons why it is crucial to focus on health, particularly in a co-working environment:

1. Increased productivity in shared settings: it can be hard to focus in a busy coworkspace. A healthy body and mind help you make the most of the collaborative atmosphere without compromising your output

2. Stress Management in Dynamic Environments: working flexibly can sometimes lead to unpredictable routines. Prioritising wellness helps you to navigate this fluidity, reducing stress and enhancing your ability to adapt to changing work scenarios 

3. Better Posture and Reduced Discomfort: Sitting at a desk  for long periods of time can lead to bad posture and discomfort in the long term. Incorporating movement into your daily routine can help you counteract these negative effects. 

4. Maintaining Work Life Balance : the blurred lines between work and personal life in shared, community driven spaces make it crucial to establish healthy boundaries. Wellness practices help create this essential separation.

Garage Society’s Strategies for Wellness in Shared Workspaces

Optimise Your Flexible Environment

1. Create an ergonomic setup:

• Use laptop stands, wrist rests, or back cushions

• Use noise-cancelling headphones for focus

2. Personalise your space with portable items: 

• Small plants, stress balls, fidget toys, or essential oil diffusers

Leverage Community Spaces

1. Join group fitness activities:

• Participate in Garage-hosted community events to connect and relax

• Look out for events like our upcoming Pilates Offsite!

2. Start team wellness challenges:

• Track steps or share healthy meal plans

• Keep each other accountable

3. Use on-site facilities or member perks:

• Utilise wellness rooms or fitness facilities

• Get discounts at local gyms like Anytime Fitness through our Perks Program!

Stay Active and Healthy

1. Take regular breaks:

• Short breaks every hour to boost productivity and mood

2. Practise mindful eating:

• Bring in your own food to have lunch in common areas 

• Use communal kitchens for healthy meals and snacks

3. Stay hydrated:

• Keep a water bottle at your desk

• Use the fridge for drinks

Maintain Balance

1. Set clear work hours

2. Create start and end-of-day rituals

3. Practice mindfulness:

• Find quiet corners for meditation or breathing exercises

• Try desk yoga or stretching

Building a Supportive Community at co-working space

One of the key advantages of co-working spaces is the vibrant community they offer. These environments are rich with opportunities for collaboration and networking. Building relationships with fellow members can be a great stress reliever and boost your overall well-being day to day!

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Connect with the Garage Society wellness network!

Prohealth Asia HK

Established in 2000, Prohealth Asia is a physiotherapy clinic located in the heart of Central Hong Kong and across APAC locations such as Singapore, Delhi and Manila. They offer a variety of services including Physiotherapy, Office Ergonomic consultations, Massage Therapy, Osteopathy and more. Whether you are having pain in your body or you want to rehab and condition yourself, Prohealth HK can help you like magic! 

Visit their website: https://prohealthasia.com/

Coco & The Sun

Whether alone or as a team building activity, book a class at Coco & the Sun. Coco & the Sun is a leading fitness provider in Hong Kong. Their mission is to help you grow more comfortable in your own skin through exercise in a fun and welcoming environment, offering weekly group fitness classes at their beautiful studio in Sheung Wan, at hotels, corporates, and beyond. Their speciality classes are Barre and Pilates Sculpt suitable for all levels. 

Visit their Website: https://www.cocoandthesun.com/

Check out their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocoandthesun/

Luah Jewelry

They make beautiful, durable jewelry that empowers your style. Say goodbye to care instructions and welcome to jewelry you never have to take off. Wear it in the shower and while you’re putting on make-up. Wear it to the office and the gym. Wear it when you're relaxing on the couch or chasing after kids. Wear it while you sleep. Wear it by the pool and at the beach. Wear it everywhere. Backed by a lifetime color warranty, every product they make is hypoallergenic, waterproof, sweatproof and cosmetic friendly. 

Visit their Website: https://luahjewelry.com/en-hk

Check out their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luahjewelry/