Landon Coyle, MDTC Economic Development Specialist
As we start the new year many employees across the U.S are starting their New Year’s Resolutions. Most of those resolutions have something to do with exercise or self-care. In this edition of the Economic Corner we are going to focus on how running and walking can reduce stress in the workplace and can put you in a better frame of mind.
There is a lot of information about how running and walking can improve your overall work performance. According to medical research there are many benefits to having a walking or running routine. The natural chemicals that are released in your body when moving and increased blood flow throughout the body helps reduce stress. Another benefit to running and walking is that it can lower the risk of heart disease. We know that work can cause a lot stress and if we are not taking care of ourselves our stress will continue to build over time and the risk for hypertension and heart disease goes up.
Walking and running are great forms of exercise because you do not need a lot of equipment and the cost is low. Anybody that has ability to put one foot in front of the other can be runner and you can start today. Studies show that the more time you put into taking care of yourself the happier and more productive you will be.
By taking care of yourself, you enable yourself to give your best to others. We are starting to see more and more employers talk about and promote ways on how to be healthier mentally. Start your journey to being a better you by having an exercise routine. You might discover something new about yourself. Taking care of your body is just as important as any other job skill. Continue to grow and practice self-care throughout your career. I believe ultimately that movement allows the mind to be more creative and increases your capacity to learn new things. It’s time to lace up your shoes and get moving. We do this so we can be better today and have a chance of having even greater tomorrow.
Some tips according research on how to develop a consistent walking and routine.
- Look for ways to increase your movement throughout the day. More movement = Better blood flow
- Be consistent. Try setting a goal to walk or run for 30 minutes a day for 3 to 5 days a week
- Find a running buddy. By having running group or friend will be helpful with holding you accountable and it will make running/walking more enjoyable.
- Give yourself grace. Every walk or run is not going be same. There will be days where you will enjoy your workout and there will days where it will be harder. Continue to move forward because as continue to move forward the more progress you will make. Also, make sure to give your body time to recover and rest after workouts.