Can A Morning Workout Really Improve Productivity?
Can a morning workout really make you more productive?Mommy blogger and registered nurse, Cassie Phillips, thinks so! And she is here sharing her thoughts today. It doesn’t matter if you work at home, away from home, or if you are a stay at home mom, and it doesn’t matter if you have one, two, or ten kids. If you're a mom- you're busy. It can be hard to make time for yourself when you're always focused on taking care of everyone else. But, what if I told you that making time for yourself to work out could actually improve your productivity? It's true. Working out, especially in the morning, can improve your productivity in many ways. Here are a few:
You wake up earlier
You may have to wake up earlier than your child(ren) to have time to fit fitness in. Once you're done with your workout and shower any extra time left over can be spent however you want, doing some housework or working before your baby gets up. Even just 15 minutes can make a huge difference.
You get your endorphins going
Make a promise to drag yourself out of bed, even though you don’t want to, then head to the treadmill, start running and in no time a half hour has elapsed. When you are done you not only feel accomplished, but the endorphins you earned will help you feel energized, awake, and motivated.
You gain mental clarity
A workout can improve your focus for up to 10 hours after your workout. And who couldn't use 10 hours of supreme clarity when dealing with kids and trying to work?
The shower afterwards makes you feel good
Not only is the shower a good place for thinking, there's just something about feeling clean, doing a little light makeup, and your hair to make you feel ready to face the day.
Improved sleep quality
If you sleep better, you'll be more likely to wake up rested and ready for the next day. Studies show that a good night's rest will help improve your overall mood and health and even boost your metabolism.
You're worth it
Working out has many benefits and rewards. You'll feel better, and will find yourself actually looking forward to working out because you enjoy the energy and the increased productivity.
Your family is worth it
Taking care of yourself is the best way you can take care of your family. Increased productivity can mean many things for your household. You may feel up to cooking meals which will improve the health of your family and you'll have more energy to clean the house and spend time with your loved ones.
Your career is worth it
Sometimes, it's hard to stay motivated when working from home. Getting on a schedule that begins with some 'you time' first thing in the morning can start your day feeling accomplished and ready to face the challenges of the day ahead.
How to get started:
You can join a gym. For me, joining the local gym was the one way to make sure that I really invest the time. Because I am paying for it monthly, I feel a sense of obligation. If you've got little ones at home this may be more of a challenge. You can look for a gym with daycare or perhaps share babysitting shifts with a friend or ask a family member to lend a hand while you run out for an hour or so. There are also plenty of ways you can get fit without paying gym fees or paying for equipment. They might include running or biking in the park, using household items for workouts, finding workouts on YouTube, or even just using your own body weight. If you still have toddlers or infants at home, you can workout with your baby. Head outside for a walk or jog while pushing a stroller. Do a workout video during nap time. You can even do yoga with toddlers. They'll love the fun of trying to mimic the moves to be 'just like mommy'. You're also showing them the importance of an exercise routine. If exercise is not currently part of your day, then vow to make 2016 the year you change your habits for the better. Your boss, your family, and your body will thank you for it.
Do you have a workout routine that works for you? In the comments, we'd love to hear how you stay motivated.