An Asian man doing stretches while in front of a laptop

You’ve heard it before: Sitting is the new smoking. When you’ve been rushing after deadlines and moving from to video conference day in and day out, it’s tempting to just relax. Why is it important to be physically fit when you’re pretty comfortable in your nice cushioned chair with everything you need, from snacks to your laptop, within reach?

Mindset is the first hurdle here. Many people consider exercise as an optional extracurricular hobby and not a vital activity that they need just as much as eating and sleeping. A physically fit body isn’t about having a six-pack though. You don’t need to pump iron three hours a day just to get your blood flowing. A simple half-hour walk will do wonders for your health. In Japan, communal exercises are performed in the workplace. Some companies even offer gym memberships just to encourage more holistic health.

When you’ve been sitting down all day, it’s even more imperative that you should get up and start moving. Read on to learn more reasons why being physically fit will benefit you better in the workplace.

It’s Healthier for You in The Long Term

This goes without saying but numerous studies have proven that sitting for prolonged periods without physical activity can be detrimental to your health. A review published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reported risks such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer, concluding that being sedentary was independently associated with deleterious health outcomes, including the eventual breakdown of your hips and back.

A physically fit person doesn’t have to be running marathons. There are numerous desk exercises available online for when you have a short break between tasks. You can also try a “standing desk” for about an hour a day. This work fad was popular a few years ago, replacing the earlier trend of using an exercise ball as a chair.

While standing isn’t the same as jogging, according to Harvard Health, it helps blood sugar levels return to normal much faster. If you have a treadmill or an elliptical machine, check if having an “exercise desk” will help you become more productive.

Whichever type of physical activity you do, make sure to keep your bases covered—and by that, we mean sweat and odor, especially in the work setting. Whether you’re working from home or you’re back in the office, you’re assured of freedom from stink and sweat stains with Rexona Men Invisible Dry Black & White Antiperspirant Deodorant Roll-on, which offers 48-hour protection.

It Helps You Think Better

You might be skipping exercise because you’re busy at work proving to your boss that you’re ready for a promotion. However, this could be counterproductive and might result in burnout.

According to studies published in the National Library of Medicine, exercise has immediate cognitive effects such as enhanced concentration, a sharper wit, quick learning, improved mental stamina, and lower stress levels. You don’t even have to go all out in the gym. Even a 15-minute run can already do wonders.

So when you impress your boss with your cleverness, say a silent thank you to exercise and flash a confident smile. closeup All Around Fresh Soothing Menthol Toothpaste has fluoride that takes care of most of your oral hygiene needs. It’s formulated with zinc antibacterial mouthwash and silica to deep-clean your mouth and ensure freshness.

It Makes You More Productive

Research from Stanford University showed that people who went out on a lunchtime walk for half an hour came back with enhanced creativity, with some reporting an 81% boost in productivity. A similar study, titled “Changes in work affect in response to lunchtime walking in previously physically inactive employees,” done in the United Kingdom also showed that break walks improved enthusiasm and calmed nervousness at work.

Match that renewed energy with POND'S Men Energy Charge Brightening + Anti-Dullness Facial Foam. It has coffee bean extract that can make your skin look recharged as well as Thymol-T Lock & Clear technology that targets acne at the root and, because prevention is better than cure, stops acne-causing bacteria from returning.

It can Delay Balding

Fact is, if you’re predisposed to balding, you will lose hair at some point, but you can postpone it. Genetics is only one of many factors that cause thinning hair. Moderate exercise, according to research in the Annals of Dermatology, improves blood circulation in the scalp, which can fortify your hair at the root.

Though there’s no proof that exercise causes hair loss, over-exercising, crash dieting, and certain supplements may lead to deficiencies that can affect hair, causing it to be prone to damage. Moreover, too much exercise can lead to telogen effluvium, which, in turn, makes hair follicles go dormant and grow slower. Remember, like teeth and skin, your hair is a reflection of your overall health.

Reinforce your hair with Dove Men+Care Strengthening Shampoo. A two-in-one multitasker, it has caffeine and Trichazole Actives that look out for your hair from end to end, strengthening each strand and lessening hair fall.

When you find yourself sitting prettily in front of your laptop for hours already, remember to ask yourself: Why is it important to be physically fit? Whether you do a hundred jumping jacks a day or you’re a total gym rat, remember that you have to keep moving!