One of the big challenges we all face after deciding to exercise more is when will we have time? Work is always busy, and there is always more to do. We are working so many hours that we barely have enough time for our family and personal life. We are always tired and worn out when we go to bed and we get up just in time to get back to work. Where does exercise fit into all this?
Well new research by Russell Clayton and colleagues, which is due out in the next issue of Human Resource Management, clearly concludes there is a positive relationship between exercise and work life balance. Based on Clayton’s research, people who take the time to exercise feel more self-efficacy. In other words they are confident they can get things done. Completing a regular exercise routine, gives them proof that they are capable of handling bigger challenges, including getting major projects at work done and making time for a happy home life.
“Research shows that physical exercise strengthens both the body and the brain! Exercise reduces stress and promotes the growth of new brain cells.” Marissa Toussaint
Exercise also makes you happier. It gives you more energy. It also provides a mental and emotional break from your daily stress. It gives you time to think and process information. Babyak, Blumenthal and colleagues did several studies where they found exercise was more effective than Zoloft, an anti-depressant medication, in reducing the symptoms of depression. Exercise worked better in the short term, but it also turned out to be a more permanent and longer lasting solution than medication. Exercise improves your brain’s ability to process information. Overall exercise helps you think more clearly, feel more confident, and be more energetic, all of which help you be better at your job.
Studies have shown that exercise releases a hormone called peptide YY that suppresses your appetite. So exercise actually helps you eat less, which helps you be more disciplined about your diet, which provides more confidence, which helps improve happiness.
So take some time out of your busy schedule to exercise. You will be able to get more done instead of less, and you will be happier and more successful.
My Passion is helping people become successful and happy. I have found that many people want to be successful but just don’t know how. More importantly, people want to be successful because they feel that reaching some success pinnacle will result in them becoming happy. The research and my experience has shown that just the opposite is the case. Success does not lead to happiness. Happiness leads to success.
