It’s a no-brainer that regular exercise is good for both our mental health and our physical health. However, it is often difficult to make some time for it in our busy agendas.
What we usually end up doing is either waking up earlier in the morning to exercise, which is something that no one likes; or exercising really late in the evening, when we’re usually already exhausted, and which causes us not to sleep as well.
The right moment to exercise
What now turns out to be the perfect time to train is during lunch. So if you’re one of those who just can’t seem to find the time to exercise, keep reading. Here’s why it’s better to exercise during lunch breaks than at any other time of the day.
1. You’ll boost your endorphins and become more creative
Training in the middle of the day will help you feel energized, as your endorphins will suddenly be given a kickstart. Even just going for a walk will help your digestion and lower your blood sugar. It has also been proven that if you’ve lost inspiration, going out for a walk might just give you the creativity you need.
2. You’ll improve your efficiency
Several studies prove that exercising during lunch time causes you to become increasingly productive during the afternoon. It doesn’t have to be an extensively planned workout routine; with just +/- 15 minutes of training you will improve your concentration, as well as your problem solving skills, because it can have a great meditative effect.
3. Socializing is essential for your health
Besides being extremely positive for your physical health, it can help you improve your mental health through socializing. Social dynamics are essential for mental stability, and going out for a quick run can be the perfect opportunity to strengthen the friendship bonds with your co-workers.
Plus, it is easier to communicate face-to-face than through emails, and will prevent misunderstandings. Keep in mind that even answering your mobile phone outside in fresh air has a positive impact on your mental restoration.
4. No more eating at your desk
It often happens that we stick around at the office during lunch because of built up work and we just can’t seem to stop what we’re doing to have a proper lunch. However, taking a break is just as important, and you are 100% entitled to it.
In addition, it is actually unhealthier than you might think. What happens when we eat at our desks is that we’re more likely to store body fat when we stay seated the whole day.
Plus, working out actually helps you regulate hunger. When exercising, certain hormones that helps us recognize the sense of fullness are secreted, meaning that we won’t be as prone to reach our for snacks when we go back to working.
5. You’ll have the rest of the day to do other things
Regularly exercising during lunch time means you will not have to cancel plans because you have to go to the gym again. Having free evenings means having more “me-time”, which is also essential for a healthy mind, and a healthy body.
6. You’ll be less likely to suffer from diseases
A sedentary life is highly linked to suffering from all sorts of diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or even different types of cancer. When working out regularly, chances of suffering from such diseases decrease by up to a 30%.
To achieve this percentage, it is key you exercise 150 minutes a week, which is 30 minutes a day. However, this doesn’t mean you have to carry out a full work out for thirty minutes every day: even going for a stroll is enough. The point is to move a bit every day.
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