How to go from workout to work

Starting your day with a morning workout is not only great for your health but also boosts your productivity at office. According to research, people who exercise in the morning are more likely to stick with it. “It’s because they get it out of the way first thing,” says Barbara Brehm, professor of exercise and sport studies at Smith College and author of Psychology of Health and Fitness. “They haven’t been exposed to a whole day of draining activity and stress, which can leave you feeling pretty depleted by the end of the day.” As compiled from allwomenstalk.com and qz.com, here are ways to get ready for work at the end of your workout.

Keep a checklist

It’s always a good idea to make a checklist before you leave your house and include all the items you need to avoid missing out the essentials. For the techy people out there, make use of your iPhone or iPad to note down the list. Alice Burton, a Wyoming-based personal trainer and spokesperson for the National American Council, says, “Start by scheduling your morning workouts just like you would a doctor’s appointment or office meeting. You’re much more likely to complete your early morning exercise if you write it down.”

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Plan your shower routine

Regardless of the intensity of your workout, you need to be clever enough to plan the shower in a way to avoid getting late for work. A gym with clean shower facilities is a must. If you are picky about the shampoo and shower gel or soap you use, then carry them in your gym bag.

Choose the right hairstyle

None of us want to look messy or come to office with wet hair, so having the right hairstyle is key to looking professional. Try to avoid complicated hairstyles and let your hair dry naturally by keeping it open.

Plan your post-workout meal

You don’t want to ruin all your hard work by grabbing a high-calorie breakfast on the way to the office. According to Liz Applegate, director of sports nutrition at the University of California, you require “at least 20 grams of protein and always a fruit or vegetable. Adding in a recovery carbohydrate, such as whole wheat toast or oats, is also a good idea.”

Be discreet at the office

Try to maintain office decorum by not being careless about crowding your table with your sweaty gym bag and leaving it there for the day. Find a locker or a cupboard by placing a request to the administration staff at your office, so that your colleagues are not put off by your workout routine.

Read: 5 pre-workout foods to fuel your body

Get a group together

If you prefer getting done with the workout before reaching office, then a good idea would be to ask your colleagues to join you as well. This will not only keep you motivated but also help you share commute with them. It’s a great way to socialise with your colleagues and build a relationship with them. They can also keep a check on you and help you develop a habit that will stick.

Have fun with it

The most important thing to remember is to treat your workout as a fun activity. A great playlist on your mobile phone or media player can boost your workout as well as your mood. Ultimately, the goal is to make exercise a daily ritual. You can also reward yourself once a week. Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit, explains that a genuine post-workout treat, a piece of chocolate, for example, trains your brain to connect the rewarding “chocolate signals” with the powerful endorphin rush you get from working out. Eventually, you’ll manage to trick your brain into enjoying exercise without chocolate.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 17^th,  2015.

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