Whether you’re looking to tackle your increasing workload, boost your creativity, or get more done around the house we could all stand to be more productive. If you’ve been having a difficult time reaching your peak performance it may be time to switch up your routine.

Did you know that a regular exercise routine can dramatically improve your productivity levels? We know that exercise can keep our bodies healthy but several studies have shown that it can also boost brain function.  Try the Six Week Improvement Test!

Let’s Take A Look At the Studies

• One study revealed that exercising just a few minutes during the workday can improve your overall well-being. In fact, 72% of the respondents reported improvement in their time management. As a result, they were able to complete all their tasks on the day they exercised.

• The Leeds Metropolitan University conducted a study that analyzed the influence of daytime exercise amongst workers who have access to a company gym. Over 200 office workers saw a difference in their productivity levels on the days they used the company gym versus the days they didn’t.
• A Briston University study showed that 21% of the test subjects revealed that they experienced improved concentration on exercise days. Also, 22% were able to finish the work faster and 25% were able to work without scheduled breaks.

Exercise Supercharges Brain Function

Adopting a good exercise regimen doesn’t just improve your physical health but it also supercharges brain function. Exercise specifically has a positive effect on the hippocampus region of the brain. Exercise keeps glucose, blood, and oxygen levels high which feed the brain. Physical activity also releases endorphins from the brain into the body which elevates your mood. Which is why a morning gym session can make a person feel happier and more upbeat for the rest of the day. Research has shown that aerobics can change the size of the brain that is associated with memory and learning. Exercise sharpens your mental acuity, feeds the brain and helps you be more efficient and effective.

How Exactly Does Exercise Improve Productivity?

Developing a steady regimen of exercise will increase productivity levels in many different areas of your life.

Increases Energy

Most choose to believe that a morning workout will drain them the rest of the day but it’s quite the opposite. I know it’s counter-intuitive but exercise can help boost your energy levels throughout the day. Our cells contain an important component called mitochondria which is often referred to by medical experts as the cell’s power plant. Mitochondria produces a chemical called ATP (adenosine triphosphate) that the body uses for fuel. Exercise stimulates the production of mitochondria which allows your body to generate more ATP over time. The more energy you have, the more productive you will be.

Relieves Stress

Everyone knows that stress can wreak havoc on the body. Stress impacts the brain and when this happens, your body and mind suffer. Exercise is known to improve performance by reducing stress and combating fatigue which can ultimately lead to fewer absences from work. Physical activity releases endorphins which are chemicals in your body that relieve pain. In addition, exercise will improve your sleep quality which means you’ll feel more rested and capable of taking on the day.

What Types of Exercises Improves Productivity

What kinds of exercises are scientifically proven to help increase your productivity so that you can become more productive and less lazy:

Strength Training

Studies have shown that lifting weights and other forms of resistance training supercharge brain function. For example, in notable study of resistance training, when rats lift weights, not only do they gain strength, they also change the cellular environment inside their brains, improving their ability to think. Also, researchers have found that six months of strength training can help protect brain areas especially vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease up to one year later.

Walking

A study showed that a quick thirty-minute lunchtime walk eliminated the afternoon slump. Participants were able to decrease their caffeine consumption. Plus, they reported feeling less stressed and more alert which led to effectively handling their workload.

Walking is a low intensity exercise that can get you in shape for the workweek. Whether you walk on the treadmill, decide to walk to work, or take a quick walk on your lunch break, you’ll want to make sure you get moving.

Yoga

Yoga promotes mindfulness which helps improve productivity. Yoga has a positive effect on one’s self-esteem which increases one’s confidence and in turn, creates a more motivated individual.

The Bottom Line

The benefits of a good exercise regimen are well beyond the physical aspect of things. Physical activity greatly enhances brain function which means your concentration and memory will be improved. It will clear up any brain fog so you’ll be able to process information much faster. In other words, you will feel better all around. Days become better, then weeks, months, etc.