There are many great attributes that a leader needs to be successful in their position, such as fairness, an ability to control a workforce and a dedication and motivation for their work. However, you should always be asking yourself if you are fit enough physically and mentally to effectively lead a team.
31.6% of UK professionals confessed that they only exercise once or twice a week and 24% said that they never exercised at all. However, exercise doesn’t need to take massive chunks out of your day and it has a positive impact on performance – a good workout can help an individual deal with the stresses and strains a leadership role can entail.
The Health Benefits of Exercise
Sitting in a chair all day can be detrimental to your physical and mental health. Exercise boosts endorphins, which makes you feel better. Putting all your stress into a workout is a great way to distract yourself from your daily troubles and unwind after a long day’s work. Physically, exercise can help battle diseases too.
Exercise gives you a different environment, even if only for a little while. A jog in your break at work or even a walk through the park is a chance to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
A workout can beat fatigue and feelings of grogginess that an employer may experience. A regular exercise regime can give you a better sleeping pattern and more energy throughout the day. This increases your own productivity and creativity when coming up with new ideas. Exercise can make you feel better with your appearance and increases confidence, which puts you in a good position to lead.
Exercise Your Leadership
A leader must set a good example for their employees. If a leader can offer different exercise options for their staff, they will give individuals the motivation to work out too. For example, an employer could offer discounted gym memberships or organise outdoor activities for all their staff. Positivity fuels positivity, and positivity fuels productivity. Your improved mood will let you see the bigger picture and allow you to settle conflicts between the workforce at a much more calmer level.
If you exercise before you start work, you are setting yourself up for the day. Releasing all those feel good chemicals prepares you for the challenges of the working day. It helps you to keep your focus and concentrate on the tasks at hand. If your mind is clear, then you can organise your tasks and focus on what you need to do for the day.
Thirty minutes is the recommended amount of exercise an individual should get a day to stay healthy. It can hard to find the time, but there are ways and small changes you can make to your routine that can help you get the exercise you need, even if it is only five minutes a day. For example, you could try a brief, five minute routine that will kickstart your day, rejuvenate you after lunch or tire you out before going to sleep.