How Endurance Running and Cycling can Help you Work Better

Sometimes when we are very busy at work it can feel like we cannot or should not be prioritising our endurance cycling and running.

However, there are some good reasons why you should; not least because it could actually help you work better. Here are some reasons why:

It helps you take proper breaks

Taking regular breaks has long been established as a good way to maintain good quality work; basically your brain can absorb more information and work better if it gets a break (optimally every 45 minutes).

Studies also show that taking time away from your desk for your lunch improves productivity. If you take a proper lunch break to go for a run/ride while your colleagues may be working longer, the chances are on your return your productivity is greater.

When you take time out to do some light (zone 2) exercise you start to relax. When we relax we can think more clearly; this can be the time when you can better solve that problem you have been wrestling with all morning. I have often had an 'aha' moment during my lunchtime run.

Endurance exercise is a mood booster

Endurance exercise helps your body release endorphins; the type of endorphins released are linked to positive mood states and a reduction in the negative effects of stress.

In a stressful working environment, doing something each work day that helps reduce your stress levels will not only reduce the risk of you taking time off due to stress, but help you be more productive when you are at work.

A happy workforce is a more productive workforce (all else being equal).

It boosts your immune system

The biggest enemy to teams and to companies is time off due to sickness. Easy zone 2 exercise (at an intensity where you can have a conversation as you go along) also boosts your immune system making you less likely to catch that office cold going round, and more likely to be able to recover more quickly should you fall sick.

This is of course good for you, but it's also good for your team as they won't have to cover for you due to sickness (as much). You'll also be saving your company money as they won't have to pay you sick leave whilst paying your colleagues over time.

It promotes good work life balance

Having interests outside work is a healthy way to keep work in perspective. Good work-life balance is key to overall mental and physical well-being. Being able to 'switch off' and be truly away from work when you leave the office/close the laptop will mean when you return your batteries are charged and you are fresher and better prepared for the day ahead.

It helps you sleep better

Taking regular exercises promotes better quality sleep, which in turn promotes good mental health and better energy levels throughout the day. When you sleep well, your cognitive function is better, your mood management is better and you are generally more equipped to handle whatever life may throw at you.

It can help you bond in a different way with colleagues

Bonding with colleagues promotes team cohesion and working as a team enables you all to work more efficiently.

If you are lucky enough to have colleagues who share your passion for endurance running or cycling, training together during your lunch hour and/or after work can be a great way to bond on a different level.

While we can't always get on with everyone we work with, you are more likely to work better with people you care about on some level.

Many companies now actively promote exercise programmes

Many companies are now buying into this idea that exercise creates a healthier better functioning workforce by providing gym memberships or even access to training programmes. Big companies do not do things for nothing; they do them after careful consideration of the losses and gains.

Whatever the culture may or may not be in your work place, there are strong arguments to suggest that your 1 hour lunch break in which you leave the office and go running/cycling/to the gym makes you a better, stronger, healthier more productive employee.

If you are not sure how to manage your training around your work commitments you can book a free 20 minute consultation with no commitment to see how we can help you.