How Exercise Improves Productivity and Your Brain Function

We all want to be more productive – flying through our t-do list with a breeze, increasing our creativity and effortlessly multitasking. However, more often than not, nothing seems to work. You feel exhausted and burnt out.

 

Is there an answer? Studies have shown that exercise does, in fact, help you improve your productivity. Here’s how it works!

 

How does exercise increase your productivity?

Exercise increases your energy capacity. Every time you exercise and push your limits, your body recovers with a higher energy capacity.

In addition to this, exercise is also proven to reduce stress, reduce fatigue, improve performance and lead to fewer workday absences. It is a natural stress reducer, and with exercise, your sleep quality also improves, ensuring you wake up rested and ready to tackle your day.

 

What is the best exercise for productivity?

 

 

  • Walking

 

Walking gets those creative juices flowing, and is an exercise that you can easily fit into your schedule. Studies show that walking increases your creativity. Walking for 30 mins after lunch can also beat your afternoon slump.

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  • Yoga

 

Practising yoga has a positive effect on self-esteem and motivation. In-turn, it increases a person’s ability to cope with stress.

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  • Low-intensity aerobic exercise

 

While high-intensity workouts are geared towards weight loss, low-intensity workouts increase your productivity.

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How do you build a good exercise routine for yourself?

Research suggests that it is most beneficial to exercise in the morning or at lunchtime to enhance your brain power and productivity. Health experts generally recommend that exercising for 30 mins, 5 days a week is necessary for a healthy lifestyle. If you are exercising to increase productivity, also remember that progress and consistency is necessary.

 

Choose an exercise you like. You’re more likely to keep up something you enjoy rather than seeing your workout as another chore. Everyone functions differently, so build a routine that works for you.

 

So, what are you waiting for? Start this week, and you’ll see a difference in no time!

 

References:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improve-memory-thinking-skills-201404097110