Hitting the gym or participating in any regular physical exercise can do wonders for our success. With recent research into the mind-body connection, it is no surprise to learn that exercise keeps our minds in top shape, as well as our muscles! Here are five ways exercise improves your performance at work.
1. Exercise helps you achieve more.
According to a Briston University study, workers felt 21 per cent more focused at work and 41 per cent more motivated on the days they hit the gym. Not only does exercise give you more energy and stop that afternoon fatigue slump, but exercise also allows you to keep your momentum and improves mental capacity. In theory, exercise helps with ‘brain fog’.
Regular exercise is also associated with fewer workplace absences making you a more reliable, dependable and productive employee, achieving better outcomes for you and your employer.
2. Exercise helps you make better decisions.
According to a new study by researchers from the University of Western Australia, being seated for long periods can prevent us from thinking clearly (impaired cognition). In contrast, exercise can help our brains function more effectively (improved cognition).
The researchers looked at the impact of exercise on attention levels, executive function, visual learning and working memory. They concluded that when your brain performs at total capacity, you can be more attentive, absorb more information, rely on your memory and make smarter decisions.
3. Exercise helps you have more stamina all day long
While some jobs need you to be physically fit, others require you to be mentally fit to meet the day's demands - exercise can help with both.
Your energy levels result from small cells called mitochondria, and the more active you are, the more mitochondria your body produces. The more you exercise, the more energy you will have - which makes sense when we look at the research.
A study published in the journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics reported that inactive people could increase energy by 20% and decrease fatigue by as much as 65% by simply participating in regular, low-intensity exercise[2].
Studies show that those who participate in regular exercise experience improved sleep, helping them feel fresh and ready to tackle the day ahead.
4. Exercise helps you be a better team player.
We all like to surround ourselves with energetic, positive team players – especially at work. Studies show that exercise can have an enormous impact on your mood and can even be as effective as anti-depressants in treating mild-to-moderate depression.
Endorphins are only one of many neurotransmitters released when you exercise. Physical activity also stimulates the release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These feel-good brain chemicals play an essential part in regulating your mood – which can be a real asset at work.
5. Exercise helps you manage stress better.
Regular exercise also helps balance your body’s level of stress hormones, such as adrenaline. Effectively managing stress levels at work can be a huge benefit. You’ll be able to keep your cool under pressure, take on more responsibility with ease and even enjoy your job a whole lot more.
When we are stressed, we often feel tired and overwhelmed. When we reduce our stress levels, we can be more creative, innovative, happier and healthier.
Tips for getting more exercise into your day
Regular exercise will help you be more productive, energetic, motivated, decisive, happier, creative and innovative. With benefits like these, you will be on the fast track to success.
So how can you get more exercise into your day?
· Trade the snooze button for the gym
· Break it down. 3 x 10 mins is still 30 mins of exercise
· Take the dog for a walk before work
· Sign up for a class as commitment keeps you on track
· Exercise with your mates
· Head to the gym or do a walk with co-workers and have lunch afterwards
· Do walk-and-talk meetings with your colleagues
· Stand up and walk while on the phone
· Take the kids for a bike ride after work or on the weekend
· Trade an hour of Netflix for a home video workout
· Reward yourself for exercising
If you are open to new opportunities, contact a recruitment agency like Trojan Recruitment Group and receive advice from the experts in labour-hire, permanent and contract staff.
References:
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/17538350810926534/full/html
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20587820/
https://www.proofhub.com/articles/workplace-productivity-statistics
https://www.sweat.com/blogs/fitness/low-intensity-cardio
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-increase-serotonin#diet
