Why Movement is Important During the Workday

15 Sep Why Movement is Important During the Workday

Think about the amount of time you sit each workday. Then think about the amount of time you sit weekly. That’s a lot of hours with inactivity. Sitting for prolonged periods of time each day is like smoking in two ways: It has no benefit in the short term but can have serious consequences to health and productivity in both the short and long term. In this blog, we will address why movement is important during the workday. 

Movement Matters

The lack of movement during the workday is associated with employee health. The greater time spent in sedentary behavior is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Our bodies are meant to move more than just an hour of exercise a day. Dr. Mac Hamilton, Ph.D., studies the effects of a sedentary lifestyle at the Health and Human Performance Laboratory at the University of Houston, notes it is common for adults to spend more than nine hours a day sitting. When our bodies lack essential muscular activity daily our bodies are affected. 

Lack of Movement Affects Our Brains 

When we sit for long periods of time we compromise mental health and cognitive processes. Dr. James Levine, professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in his book published in 2009 Move a Little, Lose a Lot, states when we sit for too long we can put our brains into a slumbering state. This slumbering state results in a lower processing speed and hinders problem-solving capability, learning, and memory retention. It is a must to include movement in the workday to maximize performance and energy. It also reduces the health consequences associated with long periods of inactivity. 

Increases Productivity 

We all know the main benefit of exercise is that it keeps you healthy but there are so many other benefits. Exercise has the ability to increase productivity in all aspects of your life. Exercise gives you more energy so you can get more done during the day. As well as improves your mental capacity. 

Exercise and Work Performance 

Another answer to why movement is important during the workday is an increase in work performance. Working professionals say it is hard for them to fit in a workout because of their hectic schedules, but allowing time for exercise actually increases mental awareness. When you exercise you are feeding your brain, which allows you to be more efficient and effective. Studies of employees working in offices who regularly exercise found that prolonged inactivity periods at work were linked to lower work productivity and decreased mental well-being. Employers have started implementing items to allow for sitting less and moving more. Interventions such as standing desks and offering employees time to exercise during working hours improve productivity. 

Best Exercise for Productivity

Walking

Simply walking gets your creative juices flowing. Walking to work or taking a walk at lunchtime for 30 minutes improves productivity. 

Yoga 

The principle teachings of yoga help to improve productivity. A study performed in 2009, showed positive effects of practicing yoga on self-esteem and motivation, which in turn, increases a person’s ability to cope with levels of stress. Increased creativity, problem-solving abilities, and increased energy levels were seen by participants. 

Low-Intensity Aerobic Exercise

Low-intensity aerobic exercise is more beneficial than intense aerobic exercise. Studies show individuals had higher levels of fatigue than when they performed intense exercise and are lower with low-intensity exercise workouts. 

Strength Training Exercise 

Using weights in resistance training exercises is a common exercise workout in the gym. Studies have shown mixing aerobic exercise and resistance training exercise increases brain function. 

Contact Us 

Aren’t you ready to add exercise to your daily schedule so you can increase your work performance and productivity? Tanglewood West has customizable office spaces available in Roanoke, VA. Our offices are able to be arranged exactly to your liking. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.