You know that parent who uses their kid as an excuse to pet strangers’ dogs? Guilty.

Whether or not you are a dog lover like me, you know that Fido should not be constantly locked up in a kennel and needs 2-3 walks daily. It is important for the dog’s well-being to stretch, get fresh air, and explore its surroundings.

LOOSEN UP THOSE CHAINS

Now let’s look at your average desk jockey. Most of us are chained to a chair all day and do not get sufficient daily movement and fresh air.

It is time to start taking yourself on walks.

Being glued to a desk and neglecting to incorporate regular movement negatively impacts your productivity in the office and overall health. On the other hand, movement helps pump oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to the brain, which maximizes your mental performance.

ENHANCE YOUR MEMORY

A recent study conducted by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences concluded that walking (and exercise in general) increases the size of your brain’s hippocampus, which consequently improves your memory. Furthermore, research participants who exercised regularly learned faster than their sedentary counterparts.

AMPLIFY MENTAL FOCUS

Recent studies are also suggesting that walking in nature versus on a treadmill will amplify your brain’s ability to concentrate. Renowned brain researcher Frances Kuo, PH.D. conducted studies linking a reduction in ADD symptoms with time spent in natural surroundings. Her theory is that being in a natural environment refocuses your brain’s pre-frontal cortex, which is heavily utilized in a typical office setting.

The brain’s ability to retain focus is often diminished when a person fixates on a particular mental task for a prolonged period without a mental and physical hiatus from the cubical. A mid-day walk around the block can help.

TAKE ACTION

Incorporate movement and fresh air into your productivity and focus increase. Try the following tips:

1. Complete 10 pushups, 10 air squats, or 3 flights of stairs every 60 minutes. Don’t be embarrassed if co-workers are around. They’ll start joining you once they realize you’re getting great guns and buns!
   
   
2. Prior to a phone meeting, lace up your sneakers and walk around the office building or (slowly) up and down stairs during the call.
   
   
3. When the weather cooperates, eat lunch outside to get fresh air in order to refocus your brain.
   

What helps you stay energized during the work day?

Share your great tip with our awesome community of health enthusiasts by commenting below.