You can reduce your chances of developing a chronic disease. You can lose weight, tone up, and even boost collagen in your skin. Mentally, exercising can help prevent depression, anxiety, and even mental fatigue and dementia later on, and it can even boost your brain power!
Studies show that when businesses provide employees with dedicated exercise breaks they are able to increase productivity, performance, and creativity because movement and productivity are intrinsically linked!
Despite our efforts to return to some semblance of normalcy, pandemic-induced burnout and stress remain prevalent at work. Burnout can, however, be reduced significantly with effective stress management.
The Proven Benefits of Exercise Breaks
Exercise breaks, when scheduled regularly, can help employees combat workplace stress, boost social connections, and simultaneously improve cognitive performance.
A study by Leeds Metropolitan University delved into the exercise habits of office workers. The results were eye-opening. Those who visited the gym on workdays reported enhanced productivity, improved time management, and more harmonious interactions with colleagues. Moreover, these individuals felt a sense of rejuvenation, cohesion, and accomplishment upon returning to work.
Understanding the Impact of Modern Work Environments
Life’s pace and challenges have intensified in recent years, and companies with engaged and resilient workforces are better equipped to deal with these turbulent times. The shift to digital work environments, characterized by multichannel communication and constant device use and contactability, brings a unique set of challenges. Our brains, not inherently designed for such constant shifts and expectations to be on call at all times, can experience cognitive decline, especially when blood sugar levels are affected.
Elevated blood sugar levels can damage essential blood vessels in the brain, leading to problems such as memory lapses, problem-solving difficulties, and even chronic fatigue. Continuous exposure to high blood sugar can send employees into a downward spiral, especially when stress levels rise.
The Solution: Incorporate Movement Breaks…
Integrating short, 15-minute movement breaks every few hours can regulate blood sugar levels. These brief exercise sessions clear glucose from the bloodstream, storing it in muscle tissues for later use. Such actions can invigorate the workforce, making them more alert and warding off cognitive decline.
Further evidence of the cognitive benefits of exercise is provided by a 2012 study led by University of Utah psychology professor David Strayer. Participants, after spending three distraction-free days hiking, showcased a 50% boost in creativity and problem-solving skills, emphasizing the profound cognitive enhancements offered by undistracted exercise.
Practical Steps to Implementing Exercise in the Workplace
Enhancing productivity and resilience:
- Promote Workplace Well-being: Launch campaigns emphasizing the importance of exercise and health. This can enhance individual fitness and productivity.
- Encourage Outdoor Meetings: Strategy sessions can be conducted while walking outdoors. Allocate time for group meditation or breathwork sessions.
- Provide Relaxation Spaces: Offer areas where employees can take meditation or stretching breaks undisturbed.
- Engage in Team Activities: Use wearable tech to track fitness challenges, or organize group events that promote team spirit and equality.
Taking care of one’s physical health should be a priority at work just as it is at home.
It doesn’t take much movement to make a big difference in your health, and the great thing about exercising is you can start at any time.
Simple and cost-effective physical activity breaks can help to reduce stress, improve morale, and increase job satisfaction.
Exercise is essential for both physical and mental well-being. It strengthens bones and muscles, reduces the risk of numerous diseases, aids in weight management, and even helps combat anxiety and depression.
And the real beauty of exercise is its accessibility; you don’t need expensive equipment or gym memberships. Simple activities like walking are enough and can significantly improve your health, happiness and wellbeing.
Just a short stint of physical activity daily can help reduce the risk of numerous health conditions, improve your mood and boost your self-confidence.
With its many benefits, there is really no excuse not to make exercise a part of your life. Right?
