Why A Midday Workout Helps WFH Boundaries
Before the world adopted social distance, the lines between work and life were blurry. You could be online anywhere, at any time – checking your email first thing when you woke up and as the final step of the day. But for those who weren’t a part of remote-nation, there was always the physical space between home and work.
Welcome to the grey area, social distancing. As we all live with the blurriest of lines between work, family and play, a workout is something you can use in your day to create space, and to draw WFH boundaries where none can be found.
And one thing you can do today to take action on making that fitness-aided boundary a reality is to schedule just 30 minutes of movement into your day.
But first, why is a workout helpful for stress, anxiety and productivity?
Harvard Health reminds us that “The mental benefits of aerobic exercise have a neurochemical basis. Exercise reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that are the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators.”
aSweatLife writer Kira shares strategies for coping with anxiety, reminding you to, “Consider going for a walk, run, or bike ride outdoors where you’re unlikely to come into physical contact with other people, or if those workouts aren’t your thing turn to the internet for a plethora of free at home workouts. Need somewhere to start? Check out the aSweatLife YouTube channel for content that will keep you active.”
According to the Brookings Institute, taking a break to exercise will actually increase your output at work. “Over a shorter time-frame, an exercise routine can give you more energy throughout the day. Most of your cells contain components called mitochondria, often referred to as the cell’s “power plant.” Mitochondria produce the chemical that your body uses as energy, known as ATP. Physical exercise stimulates the development of new mitochondria within your cells, meaning that your body will be able to produce more ATP over time. That gives you more energy to exert yourself physically, but it also means more energy for your brain, boosting your mental output.
Ready for some resources?
Kristen Geil has been collecting hot topics on where to find free digital fitness resources and is keeping a running list. You can find it here.
We’ve been stockpiling content that we’re now setting free onto YouTube and thus – your homes. It’s here and it’s growing everyday.
Want us to do the choosing for you?
This workout stars – well, me! and it’s something you can absolutely do without a plate – h. In just under 20 minutes, you’ll get your heart rate up and you’ll strengthen those muscles that carry your big important brain around.
In it, you’ll find alternating push-ups and tricep push-ups, lateral jumps, overhead squats (which can be modified to bodyweight squats), truck drivers, and lunge taps on the right, then lunge taps on the left.
Stunt-woman April Sutton will take you through a 30-minute HIIT agility workout that you won’t soon forget. You’ll punch, you’ll kick, you’ll lunge and you will definitely leave this workout sweaty.
Trista Greco challenges you to do 30 minutes of core. And, yes, you can. You’ll do an assortment of planks, lots of crunches, and you won’t neglect your back.
