Have you resolved to get fit this year but find yourself serially stuck behind your desk? Our guest blogger, Rob Jones from SACO Apartments, explains why pounding the urban jungle on a lunch break run could be your best career move yet.

Urban Running Guide – Rob Jones

Cultivating a healthy lifestyle is one of the most common ways that people resolve to better themselves at the turn of each New Year. This typically involves the firm promise of lacing up for a run several times a week. Scheduling your runs during your lunch break can help it become a routine for you. Even if you work in a busy city environment, the rewards of running are just as achievable and you can benefit from the pay-offs for the rest of the day. Below are some tips for effective urban running throughout the year.

1) YOU’LL BECOME MORE APPROACHABLE AND COLLABORATIVE

The resulting high from running will make you feel happier. We tend to surround ourselves with positive people and withdraw from encounters which may make us feel down. Studies by the University of Arizona have shown that well-being is related to having less small talk and more substantive, creative conversations.

2) YOU’LL FEEL MORE ALERT AND ENGAGED

Jogging for 20 to 30 minutes every other day can reduce the time required to fall asleep by a half and increase the duration of your sleep by up to one hour! Contrary to popular belief, sleep is not a frivolous indulgence and has huge implications for our levels of alertness and productivity.

3) YOU’LL HAVE FEWER SICK DAYS

Moderate exercise makes the immune cells more active so their ready to fight off infection. This will help keeping the doctor at bay and you at work.

4)YOU’LL REACH MORE CREATIVE BREAKTHROUGHS

The increased flow of oxygen to the grey matter in your brain sparks the brains neurons more rapidly during exercise. Alpha wave activity to the brain is also increased. This is the kind of brain wave which helps you clear your mind and focus.

5)YOU’LL BECOME MORE DISCIPLINED

As with any actively formed habit, you’ll be required to exercise a huge amount of discipline; especially when deciding to run to work or during your breaks.

6) YOU’LL FEEL MORE IN CONTROL

Whatever the pressures of your job, you have the final say in how much running you do. Whether it’s a lunch time run or evening stress-buster it’s your call.

How do you fit exercise into your 9 to 5? What works best? We’d love to get your advice below.