5 benefits of exercise on your work and mental performance

 

When we are children we naturally get a lot of exercise. We are young and exploring our world. The process of growing up compiles us to burn extra energy through running, jumping and playing. Schools know this as well and create gym classes for children to help burn off energy and keep them engaged. As we age, gym class gives way to organized sports activities and by the time we've reached college years there are no longer any organized sports or other gym activities. While many might believe that schools send children to gym class to tire them out and make them more compliant the reality is that the physical activity actually boosts their energy and allows them to be more focused and able to concentrate on their school work. This is not a benefit that is unique to children but also to adults.  If you are feeling stressed, tired or unable to concentrate, exercise may be the key to regaining your edge.

Here are some of the benefits on why you should start exercising today

Increased cognition 

Exercise will result in increased mental abilities. Cognition specifically increases in adults resulting in improved executive function, attention, memory, crystallized intelligence and processing speed. All of these are keys to high performance in any job and will have an immediate impact on your ability to be successful in your work.

Better quality of life

Exercise has both mental and physical benefits. An improved overall quality of life when you feel both mentally and physically healthy will reinforce positive brain health. 

Reduced risk of depression

According to a major recent study led by Prof. Sandro Galea, a dean at Boston university,  more than twenty seven percent of results were suffering from symptoms of depression in 2020. Exercise immediately boosts the body's production of Dopamine which is a powerful hormone that improves your mood and fights off depression.

Lower levels of anxiety

Regular exercise can help adults with anxiety manage the symptoms. Working out results in reduced short-term feelings of anxiety. It also results in reduced long-term feelings and signs of anxiety both for people with and without anxiety disorders. 

Improved sleep

Exercise has the amazing ability to both make you feel energized after your activity and also boost your ability to enjoy quality sleep. Exercise results in improved sleep efficiency, quality, deep sleep, reduced daytime sleepiness and less need to rely on medication to sleep.

Those are some of the huge mental benefits that you can experience from exercising. There is no need to go to the gym and lift heavy weights, run marathons or start competing in triathlons to get exercise. You can get daily exercise through simple situps and pushups at home, following dance videos online or even going for a walk after breakfast. The key is to get yourself physically moving on a regular basis. As with any physical activity be sure to check with your doctor or a physical trainer to be sure you are executing an exercise program that is right for you. 

Do you exercise regularly and has it had a positive mental effect for you? Tell us below!