The Surprising Link Between Exercise and Better Decision-Making Abilities

“The job of a manager,” Harvard Business Review has said, “is, above all, to make decisions.” However, leaders often overlook the influence of self-care routines like exercise on decision quality.

Dive into how increasing your daily dose of physical activity can mitigate stress and sharpen your mental acuity, ultimately refining your decision-making prowess. We’ll also equip you with straightforward strategies to integrate more movement into your routine effortlessly.

The Science Behind Exercise and Decision–Making

If you’ve been struggling to make a decision at work and find yourself coming up against a deadline, the last thing you probably want to do is leave your desk. However, taking a walk or completing a three-minute exercise routine helps you manage stress and increases blood flow and oxygen to your brain. This increase in oxygen improves your ability to focus and enables you to think more clearly about the decision at hand.

Studies also demonstrate that exercise can change the structure of your brain and can impact neurogenesis (the generation of new brain cells) and neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections between existing brain cells), which are both critical in making quality decisions.

How Exercise Improves Decision–Making Abilities

Regular exercise can benefit your health and professional performance in several ways, including:

• Increasing cognitive function, focus, and attention: Adding more exercise to your routine is linked to an increased attention span, which can help you make better decisions.
• Reducing stress, anxiety, and fatigue: Effectively managing stress with exercise can improve mental well-being, which in turn can improve decision-making abilities.
• Increasing energy levels, motivation, and productivity: Exercise can improve your stamina and motivate you to finish tasks, boosting productivity.
• Boosting mood and overall well-being: Individuals with a regular exercise routine report higher creativity and job satisfaction, which can lead to better decision-making abilities and improved work performance.

6 Tips for Incorporating Exercise into Your Routine

Many people struggle to make time to exercise, but by making small changes to your routine, you can easily add more activity to your day to improve your productivity and decision-making skills. Here are six practical tips to get started.

1. Invest in a Standing Desk or Treadmill

If you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, consider investing in a standing desk or treadmill. Standing desks can get you on your feet, while treadmills can help you achieve your step count while improving your thinking and decision-making abilities.

2. Take the Long Way

Opt for the longer route to your destination. Park farther away from your building if you drive to work or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walking more can help you get the physical activity you need to boost your mental clarity and decision-making skills.

3. Move During Your Breaks

Use your breaks to get more activity in your day. Take a fitness class during lunch to boost your energy levels, or schedule quick daily breaks to take a brisk walk. Incorporating movement breaks into your schedule can also help you break up your day and reduce stress.

4. Schedule Walking Meetings

Propose walking meetings with your colleagues instead of traditional sit-down meetings. If you’re attending a virtual meeting, consider taking the meeting while standing or walking to get your steps in and boost brainpower.

5. Give Yourself a Challenge

Set achievable fitness goals for yourself and your coworkers, such as doing 100 push-ups or walking 10,000 steps daily. These goals can be a great way to stay motivated and increase physical activity as a group.

6. Exercise First Thing in the Morning

While many people prefer to exercise after work, studies have shown that exercising in the morning can positively impact one’s decision-making abilities throughout the day.

By making exercise a part of your morning routine, you can ensure that it becomes a habit and a priority in your daily life. Even if you only have a few minutes to spare, doing light exercises or stretches can set a positive tone for the rest of your day.

The Bottom Line

As a leader, your decisions impact everyone around you, so you must prioritize your health. By incorporating movement into your daily routine, you can dramatically improve your professional performance and your ability to make impactful decisions.

Ready to embark on a journey towards better health and productivity? Get started with our free health assessment to learn more about your wellness gaps.