Most people have an assumption that your physical health has nothing to do with your business success – I’m here to challenge that thought and explain why your physical health has everything to do with your career performance. Here is a list of some of the benefits you will receive by adding physical activity to your day:
- Reduced risk of heart attack
- Increased energy
- Weight management
- Lower cholesterol & blood pressure
- Stronger bones and muscles
- Improve immunity
- Improved sleep
- Improved mood and mindset
- Boost concentration and alertness
- Productivity in the workplace
- Reduced risk of cognitive impairment
- Overall lifestyle happiness
Whether you are a part time worker at the local grocery store, a mumpreneur, a tradie, a corporate professional or a community service worker, your physical health has a significant impact on your ability to function in the workplace. There is no doubt that our ability to cope with stress and our mental health has declined since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020.
Australian workplaces are spending approximately $35 billion dollars a year on personal leave – this staggering figure captured both ‘sick leave and mental health days from the loss of productive hours within the business’. These increasing statistics are causing immense pressure on small and large businesses alike.
Studies have shown significant evidence that physical exercise “induces structural functional changes in our brain, determining enormous benefit on both cognitive functioning and wellbeing”. This includes your levels of concentration, how your memory retains and recalls information, your mood, what your learning speed is, and how you get into a creative flow.
With more of us working in a hybrid environment, putting the distance between work tasks and clocking off has become more and more difficult. There is always another task to do, another email to read, another slack message or social media DM to respond to. We often get caught up in trying to get ahead for the next day, and sacrificing sleep has become a common practice.
Cutting into your sleep time is one of the most detrimental things you can do for your physical and emotional health. Sleep is critical for the function of the human body and without enough of it, we are left feeling foggy in the head and our ability to make sound decisions and focus on our tasks are compromised. So how much sleep do you really need? This is an individual preference however aiming for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night is the general recommendation.
Most people sight ‘being too tired to exercise’ however evidence shows that regular exercise increases your energy production, improve your sleep. Improve your cognitive function, reduce the risk of dementia and improve your overall bone and musculoskeletal health. Further studies are now also investigating the suggestion that physical activity may also help your immune system by protecting our body from infection and disease.
Where do you start with implementing physical activity into your current lifestyle if you are already feeling time poor and exhausted? It really is the smallest of changes that will make a significant impact on your health. Here are some simple ways that you can start to make positive changes to your physical health:
- Check your schedule and see where you think exercising might work for you. Try exercising early in the morning before your day gets busy. Set your alarm 30 minutes earlier and commit to moving your body. If night time works better for you, plan out your afternoons or evenings to free us some time to get your movement in.
- Block out time in your calendar to schedule your exercise session in your diary. When it’s locked into your calendar, you’re more likely to stick to the plan you have created.
- Find a workout buddy so you have someone to exercise with. It is harder to cancel or postpone exercise when you feel you’re letting someone down.
- Choose a physical activity that you really enjoy. Don’t do a yoga class if you prefer running, and don’t choose a solo activity like going to the gym if you prefer the fun and social aspects of a team environment.
- Think about the travel time involved. You can start a walk or run from anywhere, but going to the gym will take extra time.
- Do a workout at home.
- Start simple and build up your momentum. Go for a walk in between meetings – a 10 minute brisk walk around the street will help increase your blood flow and heart rate giving you a hit of endorphins and every to get through the afternoon. Watch a You Tube video to guide you through an exercise routine of your choice and time preference.
Bottomline, any movement is good movement! Whether you focus on hitting your 10,000 steps a day, or you commit to a gym membership to build your strength, the only limitations are the excuses you tell yourself.
Author Simone Lord
Simone Lord is a keynote speaker, women’s health specialist, lifestyle coach, mentor, and family finance advisor.
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