As a professional striving for productivity in the workplace, few feelings compare to the satisfaction of ticking off tasks. Yet, when pursuing efficiency, we often forget about one of our most powerful tools: exercise.
Physical activity isn’t just about staying fit or looking good: it’s a fundamental component of holistic well-being with far-reaching effects on our cognitive function, creativity, mood, and energy levels. When we engage in physical activity, blood flow to the brain increases, delivering oxygen and nutrients that support the growth of new brain cells and enhance neural connectivity. This process underlies our brain’s ability to adapt and learn, making exercise a powerful tool for memory retention and problem-solving skills.
When we exercise, our bodies release feel-good endorphins and other neurotransmitters that promote feelings of happiness and reduce stress. These chemicals make us feel good immediately and also have long-term benefits for our mental health and cognitive performance.
Studies show that our mental firepower is inextricably linked to our physical regime. How much do you stand to gain? Well, the results of one study on over 200 corporate employees were simply stunning: On workout days, participants’ scores were 21% higher for concentration on work, 22% higher for finishing their work on time, 25% higher for working without unscheduled breaks, and an incredible 41% improvement in feeling motivated to work!
For the majority, finding time to prioritise exercise within a jam-packed schedule can be challenging. However, exercise doesn’t have to be time-consuming or exhausting for you to benefit from the productivity boost. We should all be aiming for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, but even an ‘exercise snack’ of just 10 minutes can work wonders. Such a modest investment of time for considerable health and productivity gains is within everyone’s reach.
Even better news is that it’s completely up to you how you choose to get your heart pumping. Whether it’s cycling in the morning, dancing on your lunch break, or walking your dog after work, finding movement you enjoy is key. By associating exercise with enjoyment, you’re more likely to do it again the next day. And the next. Before you know it, you’ll have developed a healthy habit that is part of your daily routine.
It’s clear that physical activity is a productivity trump card well worth having in your pocket. For those looking to kick-start their exercise journey, here’s a foolproof plan to create a long-lasting habit:
- Start small (tiny, even) − Planning a two-minute walk outside is a lot less daunting than 30 minutes of vigorous exercise.
- Enjoy yourself − Choose an activity you enjoy or at least an activity associated with something you enjoy.
- Eliminate obstacles − Make choosing to exercise easy each day by removing the barriers that have stopped you in the past.
- Make it official − Just like you schedule your meetings, schedule your exercise sessions and then be adamant about not moving them or double-booking.
So, the next time you feel overwhelmed or stuck in a productivity rut, consider lacing up your sneakers and moving. Your brain − and your boss − will thank you for it.
Authors
Jarrad Van Zuydam MBBCh, DA(SA), MSc (Sports Medicine) is the Chief Medical and Innovation Officer at Strove.
