For many of you now is the time of year when you’re most likely to put any concerns about your health and fitness to one side and dive headfirst into the Christmas chocolates, fruit mince pies, cashews, crisps, wine or whatever your thing is. Couple that with the general lull in energy levels and vitality at this time of year and your productivity and career prospects may take a nosedive.
In my view it’s good to go off piste occasionally, the trick of course is not to go completely AWOL! So let me give you three good reasons to stay on track.
- Exercise is a powerful pressure reliever. This time of year can be immensely draining with the strain of trying do more in a shorter space of time building up to a climax. In addition to your usual work commitments you’ve got to meet increasingly tight
deadlines, fit another business trip in before everyone goes on holiday, attend work parties, catch up with colleagues and let’s not to forget the last minute on route shopping. Use exercise to boost your feel good hormones like serotonin – often a workout can feel as effective as medication but without any horrible side effects. - Exercise will boost your mood, energy levels and body confidence. If you’re feeling grumpy, tired or a bit wobbly around the middle from the effects of travel, it can have a real impact on your working day. Do you want to be worrying about how snug your waistband is or do you want to be focusing on your presentation to the client? Get out for a run during lunchtime, take a swim at your hotel or get creative with some pre breakfast HIIT routines in your hotel room. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make to your work performance when away on business.
- Exercise motivates you to succeed. If you’re time pressured, you can integrate exercise into working day and time away. Try to walk as much as possible when waiting to board your plane, train or ferry. Consider investing in standing desks for your teams at home and abroad. Suggest walking meetings to get everyone moving, focused and alert. Movement and light exercise will elevate your mood and energy levels and help keep your attention on the task at hand.
I understand that exercise may not be your priority right now and I’m not suggesting you smash out a hard core routine when away. I just want you to understand that if you schedule in regular exercise sessions throughout December, whether you’re at home or travelling for business, it will mean a less stressful and grumpy lead up to the big day and a much smoother transition into the New Year.
If you do over indulge on one or more than one occasion don’t waste a moment feeling guilty. Remember you’re only ever one meal or one workout away from getting back on track.
Imagine how good it will be to burst into the New Year feeling confident, energized and only a little thicker around the middle! You might even get that promotion you’ve been chasing.
© Extravitality 2015
