Exercise for the mind

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DO YOU ever find yourself sitting at your desk after lunch lacking motivation and get up and go?

With the days drawing in and becoming a little duller, there may be more reason now than ever to look at how you can boost your productivity.

Research published last year by the University of Bristol found that people who exercise on work days increase their productivity levels, are happier and suffer less stress than on days when they do not exercise.

Hector Emslie, co-director of the European Golf & Leisure Show, which is being held in Aberdeen on February 27-28, offers some suggestions on how you can make your working day more active.

He said: “Many people seem to be leading more hectic lives, resulting in greater levels of stress, even though it is claimed people have more leisure time than ever before. Maybe it is a case that when people are at work, they are working harder and longer to compensate.”

In March 2009, the Health and Safety Executive published national statistics on self-reported work-related illness and workplace injuries from its 2007-08 Labour Force Survey. These statistics revealed that 442,000 people working in Britain in 2007-08 believed that they suffered from stress. It was also estimated that 13.5million working days were lost in 2007-08 due to self-reported stress, depression or anxiety, with, on average, 30.6 working days being lost per case.

“When you start to understand the far-reaching effects which stress can have on business in terms of lost productivity, it is even more important to ensure that staff are encouraged to exercise while at work,” said Hector.

“As part of the European Golf & Leisure Show, we will be promoting the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Hector suggests some simple ways in which you can incorporate exercise into your working day:

Cycle to work: it is maybe not the best time of year to be thinking about it, but with a couple of extra layers to keep you warm, some reflective clothing and lights, you could get some exercise before you have even made it to work. Also, you can get the satisfaction of knowing that you don’t have to sit in your car in a queue and that you are doing your bit for the environment.

Running: instead of surfing the internet over lunch, why not pull on your running shoes and go for a 20-minute run? That will leave you some time to recover and you’ll enjoy your lunch even more after working up an appetite.

Walking: this is one of the easiest ways to keep fit and need not cost you anything. Instead of taking the lift up and down to your office, take the stairs, and rather than phoning or e-mailing your colleague down the corridor to ask them something, go and see them. By doing these simple things, it can be amazing how far you can end up walking. To measure the distance you are walking each day, you could buy a pedometer.

Gym and exercise classes: if you are lucky enough to have a gym at your office or one nearby, use the facilities at lunchtime. Whether it is taking part in an exercise class, spending 30 minutes on an exercise bike or doing lengths in the swimming pool, the gym can offer plenty of variety.

Golf: if your passion is golf and you have a driving range near to where you work, why not spend 30 minutes at lunch hitting a few golf balls. In addition to getting some exercise and fresh air, you can hone your skills.

“There are many ways in which you can incorporate exercise into your daily routine. It might take a bit of creativity to do it, but there are benefits,” said Hector.

“The University of Bristol research found that, of those who took part in the study, 72% said their time management improved on the days on which they exercised; 79% reported better mental and interpersonal performance, and 74% said they managed their workload more effectively. It also identified that the participants were more motivated on exercise days.

“Clearly, as well as getting fitter, exercise during your working day can help increase your levels of concentration and productivity, while reducing stress levels. Employers who encourage their staff to exercise while at work may themselves see the benefits.”

The European Golf & Leisure Show is being held in Aberdeen on February 27-28. For more information on exhibiting at or visiting the show, see www.europeangolfand leisureshow.com