Three Ways Exercise Can Make You a Better PR Pro
At our recent company Christmas party, I was given the prestigious honor (think Dundie Awards from The Office) for employee most likely to walk 10,000 steps by lunchtime. While that might be a slight exaggeration, I do like to exercise and over the years have noticed that working out has benefited me both personally AND professionally.
For other PR folks who might be embarking on get-fit New Year’s resolution this month, here’s a few interesting ways I’ve seen exercise boost my productivity during the workday to serve as added motivation.
- Increase energy – Starting a new exercise routine can be tough, but many people (myself included) report feeling more energetic once it becomes routine after a couple weeks. You don’t have to train like Michael Phelps to reap this benefit either. A University of Georgia study revealed that regular, low intensity exercise (think a nice, leisurely walk) can help a person decrease fatigue by 65 percent and increase their energy levels by 20 percent.
- Boost creativity – I’ve often felt that a quick run or a gym session was a great way to get the juices flowing for a brainstorm surrounding an upcoming PR campaign or pitch. There’s reason for this, according to science. A recent study in the Frontiers in Human Neuroscience journal showed that physical exercise appears to improve divergent and convergent thinking—two key processes for creativity. So keep that in mind next time you’re looking for a solution to that pesky writer’s block!
- Relieve stress – PR was recently ranked as the third best creative and media job by the U.S. News & World Report, but it’s also routinely cited as one of the most stressful careers. It’s a rewarding profession, but sometimes we need to blow off a little steam and exercise is the perfect outlet. As the Mayo Clinic notes, exercise in almost any form can help us relieve stress by boosting our endorphins and giving our brains a much-needed break from the workday.
These are just a few ways exercise can serve as a booster for PR professionals, but there are obviously countless other benefits we all can gain from it in our everyday lives. Whether you’re looking to establish a healthier lifestyle, get buff or simply start a new hobby this year, good luck tackling all your goals in 2017!
