If you’ve put in a good workout, you know how great you feel afterwards; sort of like you can do just about anything. You already know that a regular exercise program helps you control your weight and reduces your risk of disease. Well, it turns out that exercise can have a positive impact on your performance on the job too, and research has found that your physical activity is directly linked to your mental acuity. If you need some great reasons to start exercising, have a look at how it can make you more productive at work.
How Exercise Boosts Productivity and Improves Work Performance
Prevents Fatigue
It’s happened to everyone-that mid-afternoon slump that leaves you wishing for your bed and slacking off at work. This is a problem that many office workers deal with, and it definitely has an impact on how much you get done in the waning hours of the workday. Studies have found that people who add exercise to their routine reduce their afternoon fatigue by as much as 20% when compared to people who don’t work out. It might be hard to do, but if you drag yourself to the gym, you’ll be surprised at how much easier it is to get through the day.
Mood improves
Being tired and lethargic goes hand in hand with being moody. After all, who feels good when they feel like a nap but still have a few hours of work to get through? Exercise boosts the production of endorphins, which are feel-good hormones. When you rev this mechanism, you wind up feeling happier, and happier people are naturally more productive.
Stress Reduction
Stress on the job is just part of dealing with work, but too much stress can hinder your performance and get in the way of completing your daily to-do list. Endorphins are the key here too. Because exercise makes you feel good, it helps control stress. When you feel less stressed, you’re better able to focus on your tasks and get them done in a timely manner. It might be hard to get away for a workout on a busy day, but you might find that making time for it means being better able to manage your tasks back at the office.
Missing work reduces
Every day missed by an employee costs money. One of the biggest factors, according to workplace statistics, is obesity. People who are overweight miss more work than their slimmer counterparts, taking more sick days and missing more work. This leads medical personnel to conclude that obesity interferes with healthy work performance. For that reason, starting an exercise program and losing excess weight can mean fewer missed days of work and more productivity at the same time.
Improved Concentration
A number of things can interfere with concentration at the office. Fatigue and stress are two of the biggest reasons people have a hard time focusing, which can really get in the way of getting work done in a timely manner. As mentioned above, exercise fights fatigue and lowers stress, so it makes sense then that a regular fitness program can help improve concentration, increasing the amount of work that gets done.
Increases Brain Power
Everyone has faced a time or two at work where they just can’t seem to get their brain to function, whether it’s due to being tired, overworked, stressed out, or just being unhealthy. Research shows that physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, helping people stay more alert. This translates into a better ability to tackle challenging tasks, learn new things, and get more done over the course of the day.
Improves Self-Esteem
People who are confident in their abilities are better able to perform at work and get more done. On the other hand, an employee who lacks that confidence is slower, less precise, and has a harder time getting everything finished. Exercise, because it drives endorphin production, can help a person gain confidence in what they can do, which then spills over into other areas of their life, including their productivity at work. A consistent routine is key, so creating one that’s doable and that fits with your schedule is important.
Increases Creativity
Most jobs are done better when you’re creative. This enables you to come up with new solutions and tackle new and challenging tasks without hindering your performance or productivity. Exercise plays a big role in boosting creativity. You’ve probably heard someone say they have their best ideas while they’re out on a run. That’s because you don’t have a lot of other tasks vying for attention, giving your brain a chance to wind down and focus on other things. If you’re facing a tough project or problem at the office, you may find the perfect solution at the gym.
It Aids Your Advancement
Most people have a goal of growing and moving up in their chosen field. Did you know that a regular exercise program can help you get that promotion or a new position? Working out primes your brain so it functions at its best, but it also helps you remember important things and prioritize tasks, two things that are vital to being recognized on the job. When you’re in the right frame of mind, you’re in a better position to compete for more power or more money. You’ll also have the skills that make you stand out from the crowd.
Now it’s up to you
Now that you can see how beneficial exercise is at work, it’s up to you to make it a priority. Experts suggest getting at least 30 minutes of cardio exercise most days of the week. This includes activities like biking, running, swimming, dancing, or anything that gets your heart rate going. You should also aim to get two or three strength-training sessions each week to boost your metabolism and increase your strength. You’ll see some great results with just one workout, but they will grow exponentially as you stick to a routine and exercise on a daily basis.
