So often, when we think of professional improvement, things like earning a new degree, learning a new skill, taking a class, or attending networking events or workshops come to mind.\u00a0 While these are all excellent choices, it\u2019s easy to overlook our personal health and well-being as a way to gain a competitive edge in the workplace.\u00a0 A healthy lifestyle routine of exercise can greatly improve energy, focus and mental sharpness on a daily basis.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Brain Benefits <\/strong><\/p>\n We all know that exercise helps with maintaining body weight, and improves muscle and heart strength.\u00a0 But, did you also know that exercise actually improves your thinking skills?\u00a0 There is direct scientific evidence.\u00a0 In people who exercise regularly, studies have shown that the parts of the brain that control thinking and memory are greater in size than in people who don\u2019t exercise.1<\/sup>\u00a0 Exercise also contributes to the growth of new blood vessels in the brain, as well as new brain cells.<\/p>\n In fact, according to Dr. Scott McGinnis, neurology instructor at Harvard Medical School, \u201cWe know that exercise behaves like medicine to improve thinking skills.\u201d\u00a0 An improvement in thinking skills.\u00a0 Imagine that!\u00a0 The payout for exercise is a more efficient brain, thus upping your game and gaining a competitive edge.\u00a0 This easily equates to higher productivity at work, as well as more room to think strategically or creatively.<\/p>\n Research at Harvard Medical School also has proven that a reduction of insulin resistance and inflammation directly correlate with exercise.1<\/sup>\u00a0 Reducing insulin resistance staves off diabetes, while a reduction in inflammation takes care of muscle and joint aches and pains, as well as headaches and many other maladies.\u00a0 Additional benefits of exercise include a (sometimes instant) reduction of stress and anxiety.\u00a0 How wonderful is that?\u00a0 Further, exercise contributes to improvements in mood and the ability to sleep.\u00a0 One additional bonus is that exercise builds up calcium in your bones, which is a great advantage for women in the 50 plus age bracket.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Fitting it In<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s easy to talk about and understand the benefits of exercise.\u00a0 But, maybe it\u2019s been a while since you put on your running shoes, hit the gym, or attended a fitness class.\u00a0 Getting going can be the toughest part.\u00a0 This is especially true with busy schedules that start early, end late and can often include kids\u2019 activities in between.<\/p>\n The truth is however, we will make time for what is most important to us.\u00a0 Think of all the ways you spend your time throughout the day.\u00a0 Could you find time in your morning routine to take a walk, exercise at home with a fitness DVD, or take a 5:30AM yoga class?\u00a0 If mornings are too hectic, how about a walk after eating lunch?\u00a0 If your workplace has a fitness facility, think creatively about how you could take advantage of it before, during or after work.<\/p>\n After a long day, does surfing the internet, being on social media, or sitting down to watch Netflix round out your day?\u00a0 There is room in there for an evening walk, or a quick workout, if it\u2019s a priority.\u00a0 Even starting with a 10 minute walk or exercise routine is better than sitting.\u00a0 You can work your way up to 30 minutes or more over time as your stamina increases.\u00a0 Creative ways to fit it in exist if you make it a top five on your to do list.\u00a0 Over the years, I have built up an in-home gym where I get in a cardio workout on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, alternating with strength training on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.\u00a0 Not every week is perfect, especially when unexpected things come my way, but this is the schedule I\u2019ve committed to for years.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Make the Change<\/strong><\/p>\n Just getting started is the key, and often the biggest challenge you will face.\u00a0 It\u2019s so easy to stay rooted in our comfortable, familiar routines.\u00a0 Change can be challenging.\u00a0 It may feel like you can never get to a point where exercise is a regular part of your life.\u00a0 However, I challenge you to think of your accomplishments to date.\u00a0 Our best achievements happen over time, with planning, hard work and dedication.\u00a0 Those are the same elements needed to begin a meaningful fitness routine.<\/p>\n Need some motivation?\u00a0 Try a leading task that will draw you into physical activity.\u00a0 Is running or walking your way to ease back into fitness?\u00a0 Take a visit to a shoe store that specializes in fitness shoes.\u00a0 The specialized attention and fit you\u2019ll receive is heads above department stores.\u00a0 A comfortable and fashionable new shoe investment will be a great companion as you hit the pavement again.\u00a0 Or, perhaps yoga is your thing.\u00a0 A new yoga mat or DVD can help get you going on your journey.\u00a0 If strength training is your preferred fitness choice, some new workout clothes and a pair of weight gloves might be just the ticket to help get you going.<\/p>\n What will you commit to do?\u00a0 Walk 10 minutes, exercise for 15, or go to a beginner fitness class?\u00a0 Even once a week is a great place to start.\u00a0 If going it alone seems insurmountable, find an exercise partner.\u00a0 Accountability can help enormously in this area.\u00a0 Getting to bed earlier and waking earlier is also a great strategy.\u00a0 I have a client who went to bed a little earlier each night over a period of weeks, with the goal of waking early to attend a 5:00AM boot camp.\u00a0 The commitment has empowered her not only in her time management, but in the benefits she receives from regular exercise.\u00a0 Her days at work after exercise are by far her most productive and enjoyable.<\/p>\n Remember, little steps made each day lead us on the path to the goal we are trying to reach.\u00a0 Take that first step today toward a healthier lifestyle that contributes to a competitive edge at work.\u00a0 You\u2019ll not only feel and look better, you\u2019ll work smarter too!<\/p>\n 1<\/sup>Harvard Health Letter, May, 2014<\/p>\n \u00a9Copyright 2015.\u00a0 Kay Fittes.\u00a0 All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" So often, when we think of professional improvement, 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