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It is too common that you begin to neglect your physical health needs after you embark on a new career venture. Soon you might find yourself with inadequate nutrition, low energy, and lack of motivation when tending to priorities outside of work, including exercise. The reason for this might be because you have shifted all of your focus to your new career opportunity. While it is great to be enthusiastic about a new career venture, some of the most necessary things to sustain success happens outside of the office.
Research has shown that professionals who exercise regularly return to work with improved attention, mental sharpness, and reduced stress and fatigue. Such traits lead to overall productivity, a better mood, and an understanding of how to create solutions to work-related problems. May is home to National Fitness Day, and it occurs on the first Saturday of the month. National Fitness Day provides the perfect opportunity for you to implement exercise into your regimen for success. Here are some ways you can think outside the box to incorporate exercise into your daily endeavors.
START SMALL
You have most likely heard of taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Research shows that taking the stairs to your office increases your heart rate, which increases blood flow. The increased blood flow circulates more oxygen throughout your brain, leading to higher energy levels, focus and awareness.
Taking advantage of using the stairs on your way in, way out, on lunch, or during a break can help set the foundations for an active lifestyle. Additionally, when you commit and choose to do something beneficial to your physical and mental health, not only do you feel better, but it also leads to making better decisions both personally and professionally. You can also take advantage of walking to work if it is feasible, and if you work from home, you can take a 15 to 20-minute walk before starting your workday.
STAY ON YOUR FEET
You are now using the stairs at work, and that is great, only, after the walk up the stairs, you then spend hours sitting sedentary at a desk. It is not uncommon that you will spend up to five-hour-long sessions at a desk without moving in a typical workday. Being sedentary is linked with many health issues, including heart problems, diabetes, and back and hip ailments. Therefore spending more time on your feet can help regulate better blood flow.
You can start by investing in a standing desk at work or in the home office. A standing desk allows you the space to work but without having to sit all day - which places a toll on your body. You don't need to stand all day, but using a standing desk at different intervals can help you regulate blood circulation. If you can't access a standing desk, try setting a timer on your phone to remind you to get up, stretch and move. Not only does this help regulate blood flow, but it can help you return to your work feeling refreshed.
DO HOUSEWORK
So you're pressed for time and worried about not getting around to handling all of your priorities – no problem. While many think of exercise as weights, ellipticals, and yoga mats, exercise comes in many different forms. Taking it upon yourself to do household chores, vacuuming, washing dishes, laundry, or cleaning the tub can benefit your health and be therapeutic. Putting on a pair of earbuds, loading up your favorite podcast, and cleaning is a great way to help you relax, reset and tend to some of your priorities. You can even get outside to tend to some chores such as mowing, painting, or gardening. Not only will you be participating in physical activity, but you can later sit back and appreciate a clean house and yard.
CALL ON FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND PEERS
You might have good intentions to exercise, but as you know, good intentions don't get the job done. Sometimes you need some help from friends, family, and peers to help motivate you. You can arrange a time to connect with a friend to exercise. Given the current pandemic, you can utilize video chat to accomplish this. Having a partner to lend support helps keep you motivated and accountable.
If you cannot arrange a time or stick with your regimen, you can also join a class to help you commit. When you invest in something like attending a class, you take ownership of what you're trying to accomplish and therefore are more motivated to do it. The circumstances are not so unalike working out with a friend; there are online yoga and cycling classes that you can use to ensure you're getting the exercise you need safely. Remember, never limit your options with excuses.
Success hinges on whether you can find balance in your personal and professional life. While it is important to stay hungry in the career field, it also is essential to make sure you are getting the care you need. At START UP RECOVERY, we help you achieve your best success by focusing on your professional goals and personal goals. We will provide you a network of support that will help you plan a schedule that you can maintain, including time for work, exercise, and leisure. Taking time to exercise regularly helps keep your mind clear, focused, confident and relaxed in your pursuits. If you feel as if you are in a sedentary state and your life and career are suffering, then the time to get help is now. With a shoreline location in sunny California, you can be confident that you will get all the inspiration and motivation you need at START UP RECOVERY. To learn more, reach out today and call us at 310-773-3809.