Want to be more productive? Get moving
It seems to me that many of us are always looking for ways to ‘be more productive’. Looking for new strategies to manage time, optimize workflows, and leverage technology. But what if the key to unprecedented productivity was not in your planner or your software, but in your body?
It turns out that moving regularly through your day significantly boosts your productivity.
Here’s how:
Enhanced Focus and Concentration: When you sit for long periods, and you start to feel stiff and achy, your mind can start to wander. Regular movement breaks, even if they’re just a few minutes long, can help refresh your mind and body. Do some simple stretches or take a quick walk to increase blood flow and improve focus and concentration.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Movement naturally lifts your mood and decreases stress. Incorporating mobility exercises into your day can help you feel more relaxed and better equipped to handle work challenges.
Improved Energy Levels: Beat the afternoon slump and maintain a steady level of energy throughout the day by moving regularly.
Better Posture and Reduced Pain: Achy back, neck, and shoulders from sitting too long can be distracting and reduce your productivity. Move to open your posture, alleviate pain, and work more comfortably and efficiently.
Increased Creativity: When you’re stuck on a problem or need a fresh perspective, taking a break to move around can help. Activities like walking have been shown to boost creative output, making it easier to come up with innovative solutions.
Ways to Incorporate Mobility into Your Workday
- Set a Timer to remind yourself to take a movement break every hour. Even a few minutes of stretching or walking can make a big difference.
- Desk Exercises like seated rotations, shoulder shrugs, and neck stretches can easily be added to your day
- Walking meetings when it’s appropriate can increase your activity while getting work done
- Standing desks which you can adjust through the day so you can vary how you’re working can help keep you more alert and relieve the achiness that results from sitting for long periods
- Lunchtime Walks to recharge for the afternoon
Daily mobility exercises is about more than staying fit, its also about supporting overall productivity and wellbeing. Taking regular movement breaks can improve focus, reduce stress, boost energy, spark creativity skyrocket productivity. So, if you’re feeling stuck on an issue at your desk, take a short break, move, and experience the shift in mindset and productivity.
