HOW WORKING OUT CAN BOOST YOUR PRODUCTIVITY AT WORK

If you workout regularly, chances are you already know there’s more to exercise than just staying in shape. Exercise can have a major impact on various aspects of your lifestyle, including how you perform at work.

For most people, a 9 to 5 job can be mentally and physically straining, resulting in poor sleep, zapped productivity and a diminishing drive in the workplace. On the flipside, being alert, focused and productive at work can help you get your job done faster, avoid stress associated with approaching deadlines and even give you a better chance at getting that promotion.

Exercise kicks up your energy levels

We get it, there are days when the last thing you want to do is wake up early and start your day with exercise. Even ending the day with exercise can sound taxing. How can one work up the energy to exercise and work on the same day? 

While it may sound counterintuitive, exercising, whether it is before work or after, can help you perform optimally in all areas of your life, including your job.

Your blood carries oxygen. By exercising more, you’re increasing the amount of oxygen that is being transferred to your brain, thereby helping it perform better.

Note that you don’t have to sweat up a storm or join a CrossFit class to enjoy an energy surge post-workout. HIIT, Boxing, Strength training, Running and Yoga are all examples of workouts that help you gain more energy and get more work done every day.

Exercise can spark innovative ideas

We all come across moments when we feel stuck. Sometimes we find ourselves going through the same problem for several hours, with no possible outcome. Instead of letting your brain stall, try going for a walk. 

According to one study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, walking can help trigger your creativity by 60%. Therefore, next time you’re looking for that light bulb idea, try standing up, walking around the office or if possible, going outside for a quick walk away from your workplace. 

Exercise can help you create that perfect work-life balance

If you think that getting that workout in after work is just another item you have to cross from your daily routine, you better think again. 

According to an article published in the Harvard Business Review, individuals who were able to adhere to an exercise routine had less difficulty finding an ideal work life balance. This is mainly because having a structure for their daily routine helped them manage their time better and feel more confident pulling off demands inside and outside the workplace.

Exercise helps you sleep better 

Studies suggest that the cognitive ability resulting from moderate sleep deprivation may just be equivalent to that from being drunk, thus causing individuals to severely impair their productivity. One study suggests that exercise might just be the best prescription for insomnia. Researchers found that participants who exercised 4 times a week experienced a 1.25 hour increase in sleep duration and an improvement in their overall sleep hygiene.

Exercise boosts brain function

For most jobs, your brain can be one of the greatest assets you own and therefore, you want it to be sharp at all times. A clinical trial run by the Body Brain Performance Institute, showed that there’s a direct link between brain function, physical fitness and work-related stress. According to the research, there was a significant improvement in employee cognition and mood in the exercise group.

When your brain is functioning at its peak, it’s easier to concentrate, make smarter decisions and have a more efficient work routine.

If the thought of spending an hour a few times a week sounds like or chore or just simply unachievable why opt for a shorter workouts such as Boxing, HIIT or even Yoga which don’t require much time to feel the benefits. Give our 10 Day Free Trial a go and do a workout video in your living room, bedroom or even at work!