We all know, and have heard about, exercise being an important aspect of our lives. Even more so, to perform at a higher-level in the workplace.
No matter if your job requires you to submit to hard manual labour or if you sit at your desk all day, like I do, exercise will ensure you feel better, and thus perform better.
So what exactly does exercise have to do with the workplace?
Firstly, exercise helps us to reduce our stress levels. I’m sure we can all think back to a time where we’ve need to use our brains in a stressful setting such as an exam. Exercise helps you to relieve stress.
The reason for this is because when we exercise, our bodies releases endorphins. As a direct result, we are less likely to feel stressed or anxious, and more likely to feel positive and motivated.
In addition to feeling positive and motivated, exercising also increases our energy levels due to our body becoming more efficient at using oxygen and nutrients, which means we have more energy to spare.
Ultimately, increased energy levels translates to increased productivity in the workplace, as we are able to focus much better and work productively for longer periods of time without feeling tired or fatigued.
Exercise also improves our mental clarity and cognitive function. Several studies have concluded regular exercise can improve one’s memory, concentration, and overall brain function.
This better equips us to handle complex tasks as well as make important decisions in the workplace.
Your Fitness Checklist
By incorporating regular exercise into our daily routine, we can improve our physical health – and this our productivity in the workplace.
Here’s an actionable checklist you can use or amend to your requirements that will get you noticeable positive results in no-time:
- Schedule exercise into your daily routine: Make exercise a priority by scheduling it into your daily routine. This could be before work, during lunch, or after work. Choose a time that works best for you and stick to it.
- Choose an exercise program that works for you: Choose an exercise program that you enjoy and that works for you. This could be anything from running, biking, swimming, or strength training. The key is to find an exercise program that you enjoy and that you can stick to.
- Start slowly and gradually increase intensity: If you’re new to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts over time. This will help you avoid injury and build endurance and strength.
- Warm-up and cool-down: Always warm-up before and cool-down/stretch after exercise. This will help to prevent injury and reduce soreness.
- Make exercise a social activity: Consider making exercise a social activity by joining a fitness class or finding a workout buddy. This will help to keep you motivated and accountable.
- Set realistic goals: Set realistic exercise goals for yourself and track your progress. This will help to keep you motivated and focused on your fitness goals.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise to stay hydrated and maintain your energy levels.
- Take breaks throughout the day: Take breaks throughout the day to stretch and move your body. This will help to reduce stress and tension and improve your overall productivity.
By following this actionable checklist, career-driven professionals can become more productive in the workplace by doing regular exercise. Remember, exercise is an essential component of a healthy and productive lifestyle, so make it a priority and reap the benefits that come with it!
Finally, exercise promotes an improvement our overall health and well-being, and has benefits outside of the workplace too. When we are feeling healthy and feeling good, we are more likely to be productive and motivated in all areas of our lives, including the workplace.