Taking Care of Yourself (HBR Working Parents Series)

14

How Regular Exercise Helps You Balance Work and Family

by Russell Clayton

Quick Takes

• Exercise regularly to reduce stress and be more productive
• Use physical activity to increase your self-efficacy
• Reserve time before or after work to go for a bike ride or swim laps
• Take short breaks in your workday for a walk, run, or workout

If you have been feeling torn between exercising more and being a better working parent or spouse, then this should come as great news: You can do both. Carving out regular time in your schedule for physical activity can mean success, happiness, and less stress in your future.

Consider this example: Matthew Beason is a well-respected executive at a nonprofit with a multibillion-dollar endowment. On top of continual ...