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Today's changing workplace makes investing in your employees’ mental and physical health a top priority. Many studies have shown the positive effects of exercise on health and wellbeing. Here are five ways fitness supports the mental health of your employees—and five things you can do to help employees increase exercise.


1. Reduces stress
Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. These chemicals help reduce anxiety, leaving employees feeling more relaxed.

2. Improves mood
Regular exercise is linked to improved mood and a decrease in symptoms of depression. It boosts levels of serotonin, which helps regulate mood.

3. Boosts self-esteem
Achieving fitness goals can boost self-confidence, providing a sense of accomplishment and empowerment, which positively impacts mental wellbeing.

4. Supports cognitive function
Exercise improves cognitive function, including memory, attention, and critical thinking skills. Regular physical activity may reduce cognitive decline in older adults.

5. Reduces anxiety
Exercise is a natural way to reduce anxiety symptoms. It distracts employees from worrisome thoughts and improves their ability to cope with stress.
 
Support from the top
Visible support for health and wellness from company leadership sets the tone for employees. Here are five things you can do to help employees add fitness to their day.

1. Work out on the clock
Give workers permission to exercise over lunch or when they don’t have a meeting. Encourage them to go for a walk engage in any other aspect of your company’s wellbeing program.

2. Use breaks wisely
Offer employees guided stretch breaks, provide calendar invites with links to join their peers in an active break.

3. Join a team
Build camaraderie and healthy teams by offering organized recreation leagues, tournaments or walking or jogging groups.

4. Offer group training
Working out together supports teamwork, friendly competition, and helps employees build relationships outside of the typical work setting.

5. Provide a fitness space
Research shows that employees are more likely to work out when provided with the tools, support and convenience of an on-site fitness center.

Learn more
Contact us for a no-obligation meeting and learn how you can support employee mental health with fitness and wellness solutions.

Sources:

1. American Psychological Association https://www.apa.org/topics/exercise-fitness/stress
2. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495
3. National Library of Medicine https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5068479/
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/physical-activity-brain-health/index.html
5. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/managing-anxiety/exercise-stress-and-anxiety