How Your Physical Fitness Affects Your Career and How You Get Both Into Shape!
Job satisfaction can depend on many factors – environment, level of engagement, co-workers – but did you know that your health and fitness level can also have a big effect on your work life?Studies show that employees who participate in moderate exercise on a regular basis score better on job performance and work-quality reviews. They also report getting along better with co-workers and taking fewer sick days than non-exercisers. We all know that fitness is also important to our everyday lives and there’s no better time to start getting into shape than the season of new beginnings, spring.
So how do you start?
- Talk to your boss or management about company-sponsored fitness programs - discounted gym memberships, nutrition counseling, and healthier foods in the vending machines.
- Sneak in exercise throughout the day – take a walk around the building during lunch, replace your chair with a fitness ball, or do stretching exercises at your desk.
- Team up with co-workers – start a weight-loss challenge, a healthy lunch potluck once a week or a lunch hour walking club. It’s easier to make changes with support.
- Swap your regular, sit-down desk for the standing version – studies show that standing at work encourages more movement and can have beneficial effects on your health.
- Plan ahead – it’s easier to bring a healthy lunch or snack if you have the supplies on hand. Spend an hour on the weekend prepping healthy snacks and lunches so that you can just grab and go during the week.
- Drink more water – ask management for a water cooler or be sure to bring in bottles to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.
- Stay home if you are sick – infecting others or delaying your recovery time will only hurt your productivity in the end.
- Prevent injuries – keep your work areas neat and clean and report any potentially dangerous situations to your boss before someone gets hurt.