We all know that regular exercise keeps us healthy, but did you know that exercise improves productivity in your work and personal life too? It helps curb that afternoon nap you so desperately look forward to, helps you reduce the 2pm coffee break, and increases your mental capacity to help you get through your projects efficiently and with ease.
Regular exercise has a multitude of physical benefits, including but not limited to improvements in cardiovascular endurance and decreased the risk of “diseases of affluence” -- heart disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. In addition, physical exercise improves mental health, helps with depression and promotes positive self esteem.
After that sweaty spin class or long hike in the woods, endorphins are released. Endorphins are natural stress reducers and there are studies there to prove it. Exercise enhances mood, combats fatigue, and improves performance thus leading to fewer workday mishaps.
It also combats chronic stress something that is common among many working people. Recently, companies have been implementing “movement as medicine” interventions like using standing desks and offering time for exercise during work hours to improve productivity.
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week for a healthy lifestyle, which averages 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each day. Check out the list below for some guidance on how to boost your mood and efficiency through physical activity!
Short bursts of exercise are easier to add to your daily routine, so pick something you enjoy rather than seeing your exercise as another chore. You are exercising to increase your mood energy to improve work productivity, so less is more. In addition, working out in the morning or at lunchtime may be more beneficial than working out at the end of the day. Taking the time to exercise keeps you mentally sharp, combats mental fog, and fatigue.