Looking After Your Heart this Valentine's Day
Wellness is our number one priority at The Auction Rooms serviced offices, and your wellbeing is crucial to your professional success. In the spirit of Valentine's Day this year, the team decided to dedicate the entire week to heart health awareness. As well as running a charity fundraiser for the British Heart Foundation, we have been delighting our members with surprises all geared towards supporting the health of their own heart.
We have been gathering information about what keeps your heart healthy, especially in a shared office workspace, and you can read more about our findings below:
1. Healthy Food
You are what you eat! At The Auction Rooms serviced offices we provide our members with healthy snacks to fuel their work day and support their health, such as fresh fruit, alternative crisps (healthier than traditional fried crisps), cereal bars and fruit bars. We have introduced a breakfast bar, which includes organic yoghurt (both dairy and vegan options), wholegrain cereals, porridge oats, and granola with your choice of toppings, including nuts, seeds, dried papaya and cranberries, desiccated coconut, and dark chocolate drops.
Nuts, seeds, and oily fish contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower cholesterol and support heart function, while fruit and berries are rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and improve circulation. Fermented foods like Greek yoghurt and green tea contain probiotics that can promote better heart function, and little dark chocolate (70%+ cacao) can also provide a heart-friendly treat!
2. Movement
It is essential for office workers to get up and move during the day. At The Auction Rooms we have all the facilities you need to cycle to work or catch a gym class at lunchtime. Gorgeous, inviting showers with white fluffy towels and a vanity station are all part of membership at our serviced office, while we also have lockers and GreaseMonkey bike storage as optional member add-ons. We offer our members exclusive discounts with our local gym and yoga studio partners, and offer in-house wellness sessions to keep everything flowing and make sure office workers as The Auctions Rooms can thrive.
Regular movement keeps your heart strong and your energy levels high. Whether it’s a walk-through Queen Street Gardens (another perk for members of The Auction Rooms), a stretch between meetings, or a workout at the gym - every step supports circulation, lowers blood pressure, and lifts your mood.
3. Relaxation
Taking a moment to slow down can work wonders for your heart. Even 5–10 minutes of deep breathing or meditation during the workday can reduce stress, steady your heartbeat, and bring a sense of calm. A simple yet powerful way to show your heart some love—right from your desk. Quality sleep helps regulate blood pressure, repair the body, and improve overall well-being. It allows your heart to rest and recover, ensuring you’re ready for the day ahead. Unwind with a peaceful bedtime routine, put screens aside, and create a calm environment to give yourself the rest you truly deserve. Our partnerships with wellbeing hubs like OMH Therapies mean members can benefit from discounts on a variety of treatments to help them unwind. Especially for our heart health awareness week, our wellness partner, Kelly Yates of Leela Wellness, is delivering a special workshop exclusively for our members to help then relax and connect to their heart.
4. Doing Good
A 2022 study called The Value of Giving Report revealed fascinating data about the benefits of giving - and no surprise it's good for you! In fact the report even found that people that donate and volunteer report more positive emotions than those who do neither, and they are 1.7 times more likely to feel optimistic about the future. What's more, 75% of those who donate and volunteer say they feel close to others, compared to the 65% among those who do neither. Our members can spread the feel good this month by taking part in our charity campaign for the British Heart Foundation. Any donation counts and you can have a beautiful BHF badge to show others you've contributed.
5. Enjoying Yourself!
When you work in a harmonious, peaceful space such as The Auction Rooms, every detail has been thought through to provide you with an exceptional experience. Whether you are renting a meeting room or boardroom, using a day pass to The Auction Rooms, or you are a privileged member, there is so much to enjoy. You have unlimited access to delightful amenities such as a rotation of Edinburgh roasted coffee beans, organic and sustainbly-packaged Eteaket teas, a wide variety of healthy snacks (and less healthy treats for long work days, too!). Seasonal surprises are another exciting part of where the team funnel their creativity, always making use of feedback from members and visitors to the serviced workspace. All of this and more contrbutes to greater wellbeing, as joy throughout your day helps to offset any stress you might be experiencing at work.
Members are also lucky enough to have access to benefits with our various leisure, retail, and hospitality partners, such as Fight Club Darts, Penhaligons perfumery, Malmaison hotels, and the oldest wine bar in Edinburgh - Whighams Wine Cellars.
A healthy heart is the foundation of a vibrant life. This week, take a moment to pause, recharge, and appreciate the simple habits that keep you feeling your best. And Happy Valentine's Day from The Auction Rooms!
