How HIIT Workouts Influence Your Work Mentality

It’s always been said that exercising is good for your health. Exercise facilitates better circulation, keeps your heart pumping, improves your digestion, tones your muscles and brings fresh oxygen and blood into your brain to make you mentally alert. Even exercising for a short time has proven benefits.

For a busy entrepreneur whose focus is on improving his bottom line, developing new products and markets, every minute counts. That is why many businessmen do not spare even 30 minutes in their workday to exercise. If you’re like many busy people, take a look at these ideas, for these can change your views about exercise and even increase your productivity at work.

Incorporating HIIT workouts in your daily routine

If you do not have much time to go to the gym, consider HIIT workouts that can definitely benefit you physically and mentally. HIIT workouts can be done anytime, anyplace even without exercise equipment. You choose a routine that you find works best for you.

Common HIIT workouts last from four to thirty minutes after a warm up period, depending on your fitness level. The concept is to do a short burst of high-intensity activity for about 30 to 40 seconds followed by a brief rest period of 15 to 20 seconds. The repetitions can be as few as three to as many as you can perform until you become too exhausted.

Because of its high intensity, you do not have to do HIIT workouts daily. You have to give your body time to recover so twice or thrice a week is sufficient.

Develop mental sharpness

You become more productive when you are more energetic, smarter and happier—things that regular exercise can provide. It’s been said that making exercise a regular habit makes you mentally sharper throughout your lifetime, which is why people in their senior years are encouraged to exercise. Lab researches have shown that the slowdown in the development of brain cells as you age can be prevented by exercise, allowing you to be productive even when you’re in your 60s and 70s.

Keep you focused and alert

The increased flow of blood to your brain improves your focus and alertness. Exercise improves your time management and work performance. You can do HIIT workouts, yoga, strength training or walking. The physical activity keeps you engaged and if you’re at work, you’re not likely to have decreased stamina after lunch. Your energy level increases with exercise, improving your productivity and reducing work-related stress.

Brain functions improve with exercise, increasing your cognitive abilities. When your brain is fully functional, you can focus and concentrate better. Your decision making also improves, helping you become increasingly efficient and effective at your job.

Think clearly and creatively

Have you noticed that even the simple act of walking around for a few minutes when you’re stuck with a problem helps clear your mind? There was a study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology that walking outdoors or indoors can spark creative thinking. If you’re at work, you can walk down the halls  or even just around your office for about 10 minutes. If you’re at an upper floor, take a couple of trips up and down the stairs. Moving away from a problem usually gives you a better perspective and you benefit from the brief physical activity to get back on track.

Therefore, if you want to be more productive at work, increase your brain power, feel happier and be fitter and healthier, add a few minutes of exercise into your daily routine. Remember, if you do not have that much time, consider doing HIIT workouts or other forms of physical activity. Your objective is to get your circulation going, your heart pumping and your muscles moving.