(AscendHealthy)- Work can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Long hours, detailed tasks, and office politics can take their toll on even the most level-headed of people. There is one simple difference you can make to your routine to reduce your burden and avoid work burnout. We have the details.
The Power of Exercise
Today’s workplace has many employees constantly stressed out, skating the razor’s edge between emotional fatigue and burnout. What’s the biggest difference between the people who fall down that dark spiral and the people who don’t? Their activity levels. And the effect may be even more pronounced when they spend some of that active time outside with nature.
Improved Mood
A little exercise could be enough to brighten a bad day. One study showed that a mere 30 minutes of moderate exercise improved the overall mood among highly stressed workers. Women, who tend to have higher baseline anxiety levels, also noted reduced anxiety in response to the exercise. With an improved mood, you can be better equipped to deal with day-to-day stressors, office politics, and the demands and pitfalls of your job.
Better Sleep
Does stress from the job have you tossing and turning half the night? Exercise could help. A meta-analysis of 34 studies determined that people who exercise sleep better and for longer durations. Effectiveness can vary depending on age, health, and the type of exercise a person engages in. Middle-aged and senior adults saw the greatest benefits. Pay attention to how exercise improves your sleep — and see what a difference that one small change can make to your workweek.
Increased Concentration
Suffering from mental fatigue? Studies have shown that exercise can improve concentration and cognitive function — but duration is key. A 5-minute warm-up followed by 20 minutes of moderate exercise and a 5-minute cool-down is ideal. Anything more or less than that may not have the intended benefits.
Exercise might feel like a daunting chore, but the potential benefits are too great to ignore. You owe it to yourself to make exercise a regular part of your schedule. Take a walk on your lunch break, join a gym, or get involved in your favorite sport. You’ll feel better, sleep more regularly and have an easier time tackling those work projects.
~Here’s to Your Healthy Ascension!
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