Make the Most of the Warmer Days and Boost Your Productivity and Well-Being

Research by Opus Energy asked SME business owners and decision makers how they maintained focus and energy throughout the day. Perhaps unsurprisingly, almost a quarter (24.7%) of respondents said they relied on caffeine as a pick-me-up, whereas less than 1% said they went to the gym on their lunch hour.

However, whilst it’s clear that exercise plays a huge role in productivity at work and counteracting office fatigue and laziness, employees can often struggle to fit exercise into the working week. The lighter evenings offer a great chance to get outdoors and give ourselves some ‘me time’ so that we can set ourselves up to thrive. From playing with the kids, cycling, to digging the garden, the lighter evenings of summer mean we can enjoy these outdoor activities for longer and burn even more calories.

Research from AXA PPP healthcare shows that over a third (39%) of Brits put exercise in their top three factors that have the greatest influence on resilience, while 11 percent ranked exercise number one. However, according to a study by the British Heart Foundation, nearly half (44%) of Brits don’t do any exercise at all. Going into the warmer summer days, why not try to get outside during the working day with walking meetings?

If you’re short on time, walking meetings can provide the perfect solution. Walking meetings have a proved to be a popular method within large organisations, with the likes of Mark Zuckerberg using the time to interview potential employees, and Steve Jobs utilising the time to have serious conversations away from the office.

“Sitting at a desk, reading computer screens, and office air conditioning can take their toll,” said Dr Mark Winwood, Director of Psychological Services at AXA PPP healthcare. “A 15-minute walk outside will invigorate you with oxygen and daylight…even on a grey day.

“Too often, busy executives start the day full of energy, only to feel their focus and effectiveness wane with each passing hour. Just as it’s crucial to stay hydrated throughout the day and top up energy levels with the right meals and snacks, it’s also vital to keep activity levels up. At the most basic level, it’s a great idea to get up and move around every 90 minutes or so when our natural energy rhythms take a dip. This is the ideal way to keep the body healthy and prevent any aches and pains from sitting too long. It’s also a great way to clear the head just as the mind begins to wander and to boost focus for the next 90 minutes of concerted effectiveness.”

Callum Melly from Body in 8 explained other benefits of exercise for employees: “When we exercise we release mood-enhancing endorphins that give us that ‘feel good’ factor, and can help us to focus and perform for the rest of the day. Exercise is also a great way to de-stress and can promote deep sleep, which is essential if you want to perform your best at work.”

For more tips, guidance and information on how to be more active, visit www.brighterbusiness.co.uk.

With thanks to Lynn Morrison, Head of Business Engagement at Opus Energy and a contributor to Brighter Business.