The many benefits of regular exercise

Think you don’t have time to exercise? Think again! If you want to be more productive, whether at home or at work, then you may want to make time each day to exercise. Studies show that regular exercise can help boost productivity while a sedentary lifestyle can make people less productive in all areas of their lives. A Harvard study also linked regular exercise to a host of other benefits, including sharper memory, greater creativity and quicker learning!

Other research has found a significant improvement in all aspects of psychological well-being (such as confidence, self-esteem, sleep and concentration levels) and a significant reduction in all types of stress among those who exercise regularly. Regular exercise also has been linked to lower blood pressure, weight loss and reported a better quality of life.

You don’t need to participate in high-intensity workouts to enjoy these benefits. Research shows that moderate exercise — such as brisk walking — provides the same benefits as more rigorous activity. Try walking for thirty minutes a day, even if you have to break it into smaller time spans throughout the day. Over time, try to sneak more exercise into your day. Do you have any opportunity for some exercise at work? Exercise during work hours has its benefits, according to one study by Leeds Metropolitan University. In that study, workers who visited the gym during the workday were more productive, more satisfied with their work and better at managing their time.

Increase your odds of making exercise a habit by finding activity that you enjoy doing. Enlist the support of family and friends. Finding an exercise buddy (or two!) also can help you stick with your daily exercise routine.