Regular Exercise Improves Work Quality and Home Life

We all know that we should exercise regularly, but then life gets in the way. We just don't have time. That excuse may not hold muster based on research by Dr. Russell Clayton, author of two books on work-life balance. Dr. Clayton's research revealed those who exercise regularly are less likely to experience conflict between their work and home roles. This may appear, on the surface, to be counter intuitive because taking time out of your day for exercise reduces the amount of time that someone can dedicate to their job or home life. 

 

Exercise helps reduce stress, which makes people more productive both at home and in the office. Regular exercise also increases one's self-efficacy that gives people the confidence that they can accomplish more in less time. This confidence boost makes those who exercise regularly believe they can take on any challenge or difficult task. 

There's no right time for exercise. Some people start their day at the gym, in the pool or with a run. When you exercise first thing in the morning, you can't find excuses not to exercise later in the day. Others will take a break in the middle of the day to exercise. It serves to clear their heads and recharge batteries. Still others find the best time is to hit the gym, pool or trail after the workday ends. 

The bottom line from Dr. Clayton's research is that regular exercise not only improves your health, it also helps to achieve superior work-life balance.