How Does Exercise Improve Work Productivity?

If you exercise regularly, you understand there are many more benefits other than just weight loss or staying in shape. Exercise and workplace productivity go hand in hand. Being productive and alert at work can help you get your job done faster and even make you more eligible for a promotion. If you don't exercise regularly, you could be putting your health — and your job — at risk.

One way that exercise can help boost productivity at work is through alertness. When you exercise, you are also increasing blood flow to the brain, which can help sharpen your awareness and make you more ready to tackle your next big project. A protein called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) boosts your cognitive abilities; and BDNF is triggered by exercise according to the American Council on Exercise.

Having more energy means you will feel more awake at work. Being on top of your game will assure that you perform your work correctly and to the best of your ability. If you don't have time to put in a full cardio workout each day, make small changes to meet your daily goals, such as walking during your lunch period or taking the stairs instead of the elevator advises Psychology Today. Take as many opportunities during the day to find small ways to exercise and your work productivity will increase.

Read more: Foods to Eat Before a Workout to Increase Energy

Being in your best physical health will help improve your overall work ability. Not only can exercising help reduce body weight and the risk for certain medical conditions, you also will have improved cardiovascular health, which will give you more stamina to meet the physical demands of your job.

This will also reduce your risk of becoming injured on the job and allow you to meet the expectations required for your position. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily — at least five days a week advises the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

One way to be more productive on the job is to have improved mental health. Regular exercise can help curb feelings of anxiety and depression. When you exercise, your brain releases serotonin that helps you feel better and improves your state of mind, making the stresses of work easier to handle. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain that sends messages to the body to stimulate mood and emotion, according to Harvard Health.

Regular exercise may also help you better deal with stress — which is common in the workplace. When you are able to deal with stress constructively, it can lead to improved relationships with your co-workers and a more secure future with your employer.

Read more: How Exercise Improves Mood

Regular exercise that includes power walking, running, weight lifting, swimming or jogging can help reduce your risk of developing certain types of illness and disease. This means fewer sick days at work. With an improved immunity, you minimize your chances for getting influenza and the common cold. Exercise reduces your risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension and heart disease — all of which can interfere with work productivity.