“Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” 

 – Elle Woods, Harvard Law ’04

As a Wall Streeter turned well-being expert, I find people understand the “what.” They know fitness is important. They value their well-being. The biggest question is how? People often ask me “how” to feel better. Some request mental health strategies, others want workout tips. What they don’t realize is that they’re one and the same. 

Movement makes your mind better. And that means any movement you do will have a positive impact on your performance.

In one study, researchers found that memory and problem solving improved significantly after just 10 minutes of walking. Many others have shown major biological and psychological benefits from physical activity (if you’ve taken a workshop with me, you know that firsthand)!

It’s not a fluke. Moving boosts circulation and gets more oxygen to your brain. Your brain needs oxygen to function. Thus movement helps you to think better and make better decisions. 

So I invite you to reframe your thinking: Movement is a strategy for driving higher productivity. It’s not selfish to turn the Zoom into a walking call. In fact, it’s better for everyone. Go get coffee with your colleague instead of catching up in an office. Stand up in between meetings. Do a quick set of squats when your mind starts to wander from that spreadsheet. Every time you move, you’re improving your mind, boosting your energy, and investing in a better outcome for your next task.

One Simple Thing

Read the rest of this newsletter (just a minute left!) in a wall sit to work your lower body and core. You’re welcome! 

Dilagence on the Move 

• Dilagence was featured on PIX11’s New York Living! Check out this video on how to integrate movement into your day. 

• Check out my recent discussion with Nikki Sharp on the A Sharper Life podcast for effective strategies to recharge while improving your productivity at work and reclaim your time on the busiest days.

Dose of Dilan

What I’m (re)watching:

House (PS, they got away with a lot in the early 2000s). Fun fact: Research suggests re-watching a show has a calming effect because you know what’s coming (which is why I also feel okay about rewatching Succession more times than I can count). I’m always open to new suggestions, and welcome your recs.

What I’m listening to: 

Trevor Noah’s podcast, What Now? pairs deep insights with ab workout-inducing humor, making it a must-listen.    

What I’m packing: 

I always have resistance bands. They’re seemingly innocent– yet super effective. Here are two of my favorites: Short Band, Long Band.

Thanks for reading, I’m glad you’re on the team. For regular doses of Dilagence, follow on LinkedIn and if you know someone else who can benefit from this newsletter, invite them to subscribe here.