7 Reasons Why Working Out Improves Your Work Performance

We all know that regularly working out can be good for our health – from supporting the cardiovascular system and lowering blood pressure to maintaining a trim, healthy weight and staving off various diseases.

But physical activity also comes with significant mental benefits that could help you on the job by improving your work productivity.

Studies show that workers who get regular moderate exercise, such as walking, running, or cycling. They also have lower health care costs and take less sick time.

Here’s a detailed look at seven ways exercise can increase work productivity:

1. Stress Relief

Regular exercise is an excellent form of stress relief. Physical activity releases endorphins in the body, which are natural feel-good chemicals. So moving around, whether taking a short walk or hitting the gym, can act as a natural antidepressant, creating a more positive mindset, and has the potential to reduce the risk of burnout in the workplace.

2. Sleep

Adults who exercise at least 30 minutes daily tend to get more sleep than those who don’t exercise, studies show. Working out also helps to reduce the likelihood of sleep disorders, meaning you’re more likely to be better rested during the workday and more productive.

3. Memory

Improved memory is directly connected to physical activity; in fact, it helps to increase the part of the brain connected with learning and retaining information. This means adults who regularly work out boast better cognitive function than those who don’t. This can only be a benefit when translated to productivity in the workplace. And it takes just six months of moderate-intensity workouts to see improved memory function.

4. Time Management

Exercise is a great tool for improving time management. Setting daily workouts at specific times can help build discipline and routine, which are both connected to success in the workplace. Incorporate physical activity into your day, even taking a 15-minute break for a quick walk, can also be useful in stimulating your brain and keeping your schedule on track.

5. Positive Outlook

Endorphins are released throughout the body during physical activity. These chemicals act as a natural antidepressant that improves your mood and inspires a positive outlook. Positivity can have a massive impact on workplace success. Employees who are happy tend to be 12 percent more productive than unhappy workers, one study shows.

6. Focus

Regularly working out sharpens your mind and your cognitive function, so it should come as no surprise that it helps your brain focus more on the work in front of you. It increases blood, glucose, and oxygen levels, keeping your brain going strong. If you’re looking to improve your concentration, consider taking a quick walk in the middle of the day to refocus your brain.

7. Creativity

Daily exercise also boosts creativity at work, as it improves cognitive function. In one study, 70 percent of those who responded said they were more creative and productive on the job after working out.

Physical activity offers employees many benefits to increase their productivity at work. And it doesn’t take a significant amount of exercise to reap the benefits; just a half hour every day – even broken up into smaller workout sessions – can do the trick.