5 Cognitive Benefits of Exercise for More Productivity

Benefits of exercise

Cognitive benefits of exercise for productivity

When we think of exercise, we think of physical benefits, such as weight loss, lower blood pressure, and a stronger heart. A study from the National Library of Medicine (NLM) showed that there are cognitive benefits that go along with working out. Researchers from the US Department of Health and Human Services reveal that, recently, 80 per cent of US adults and adolescents are inadequately active. It’s ironic since exercise can actually increase productivity at work. Even if you don’t have time to catch a full workout, getting out of your office chair can be an option worth exploring. Read on to learn some cognitive benefits of exercise for productivity.

1. Improve Performance

Those who exercise during the workday experience an increase in energy throughout the day. Exercising before work or during your workday can improve focus, concentration, and multi-tasking, amongst many other things. Get your blood flowing in the morning for a boost during the day.

2. Better Quality of Sleep

Not getting enough quality sleep at night can be contributed to a factor of things, including too much caffeine or eating a late dinner. Exercise has been associated with better sleep. According to NLM, exercise is an effective non-drug treatment option for sound sleep.

3. Good Mood

Exercise is a huge positive contributor to a better mood, which, in turn, increases your all-around productivity at work and at home. It supports your feel-good hormones, including dopamine and serotonin. A 2015 study found that depressive symptoms can be reduced by physical activity, especially when you’re having fun with it!

4. Enhance Creativity

Certain cognitive efforts involved in creativity can be improved by exercise, according to a 2014 study from Stanford scientists. Sitting less can help you think more and come up with some great ideas. Increased movement can help with divergent thinking and problem-solving, among a number of processes needed for productivity at work.

5. Manage Stress

Personal stress can be a result of stress from work. Although acute stress helps improve concentration and focus, chronic stress can be detrimental, especially when excessive. Personal stress can also be due to your commute or a situation at home. Whatever it may be, exercise regulates the release of cortisol, which helps reduce stress. Exercise isn’t a distraction from your problems but rather a long-term fix when performed regularly.


Many benefits come with exercise, especially once you establish a routine. Much evidence points to improvement in psychological wellbeing and increased productivity. Aim for a realistic goal and slowly increase your duration of exercise until you get the hang of it and make it a habit. The cognitive benefits of exercise for productivity will definitely pay off atwork. Awesome things could come out of it!

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