Exercise improving productivity

The benefits of exercise have long been known to improve your health, but how can they enhance your performance in the work place?

Reducing tiredness

Despite the fact exercising requires energy, it can in fact reduce fatigue and improve a person’s energy levels and performance through the production of endorphins.

Relieving stress

Eliminating stress from life is largely unattainable, however it can be greatly reduced by exercising. Exercise is considered vital for improving mental state and self-esteem and in turn can help improve productivity both in and out of the workplace. Research has shown that an overly stressed person is an unproductive one, therefore the management of stress through regular exercise can improve an individual’s work-rate and also aid the quality of their mental health.

Health benefits

Along with the other mentioned benefits, exercise help prevent your chances of contracting various chronic diseases. It helps control weight and improves your overall fitness.

Improving sleep quality

Exercise has been linked to improved quality of sleep. Logically, if you exercise you become tired earlier and therefore can improve both the quality and length of sleep. A better night’s rest and a high quality of sleep allows you to feel energised and more refreshed the next day, which contributes to a positive state of mind and the ability to work to your full potential.

Achieving goals

The participation in sport can increase a person’s determination to work towards a goal and become more focussed and driven in their work. This means that they will have more motivation to achieve success and produce results both at home and at work.

Finding time to exercise in a busy life

There are many ways to increase your physical activity in your day to day life without sacrificing time. Changing your mode of transport during your commute is a simple one by either walking, running or cycling to work. Exercising during your lunch break instead of sitting at a desk is another way to increase activeness without taking time out of your day. Joining a club is a perfect way to make exercise more social and meet new people.

My own experience

I have tried to include exercise in my own life through joining a triathlon club. I have noticed improvements in my life, for example: I used to attend a 7am swim session before work. Once I had managed to get out of bed 90 minutes early to fit the session in it by the time I got to work, I felt energised and found myself in a much better mood. I was able to set myself goals which seemed out of reach, but through regular training and determination, I was able to achieve them. My biggest achievement was completing Staffordshire Ironman 70.3, which consisted of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and a half marathon, something which seemed impossible 12 months before.