Why Working Out Every Day Can Improve Your Productivity

Why Working Out Every Day Can Improve Your Productivity

Let’s state some pretty obvious things. Exercise makes you tired. Going to the gym takes time out of your busy schedule. It also requires a commute, shower, and picking out your workout clothes.

And you’re saying it can improve my productivity?

It sounds counterintuitive, I know. You barely have enough time to say “hi” to your significant other, let alone haul your flimsy, desk-trained body to a pilates class.

Still—doing so could be the single best thing for your daily energy and efficiency.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t really like working out. You pretty much have to peel me out of bed like a stubborn band-aid in the morning to get me to class on time. Still, I do it—almost every day—consistently. Not only because it’s good for my body.

Mostly, because of what it does for my mind.

You would think a grueling sweat session would leave you depleted, and ready for a nap. But, exercise releases all types of happy chemicals in your brain that relieve stress, and increase energy. Not only that, but I use it as an hour-long meditation. A time to be completely present in the moment—probably the only time of day when my mind isn’t going over a thousand different concerns. Because, you know, it’s kind of hard to think about anything besides your burning thighs when you’re in a deep squat.

If the idea of working out almost every day makes you think, yeah, okay, and I’ll also sign up for the Ironman while I’m at it, start small. Go twice a week. Check in with yourself and see how you feel. After the workout, were you more productive? Did you see an increase in energy, or happiness that day? Was it hard, but a nice relief from your day-to-day stresses?

Let me know how you do, and good luck!

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