Is there a link between a healthy lifestyle and productivity? According to Harvard Health, there is a strong correlation. Exercise significantly boosts work productivity by enhancing mental abilities like focus, memory and creativity, while also increasing energy and reducing stress.
I reached out to 5 leaders within the Canadian Life Insurance industry, who shared their exercise routines and lifestyle choices and how these rituals have affected their productivity and wellbeing.
1. Terri Botosan: Regional President of Employee Benefits, Retirement & Life at Hub International
Question: What are your main fitness activities?
I have quite a variety of activities but at this stage, my focus is strength and stability. I try to lift weights 3-4 times per week, do yoga twice a week and throw some varied cardio in there for good measure. I love cycling, so cardio is pretty easy to achieve.
Question: How has leading a healthy lifestyle impacted your career?
Morning exercise (and a good night of sleep) has the added benefit of a clear mind for me. I can feel a difference if I don’t start my day by moving my body. I’d like to think that organization and clarity of thought have contributed to my success.
2. Karen Cutler: Vice President Head of Underwriting, Manulife
Question: What are your main fitness activities?
Running, kayaking in the summer months, walking on my treadmill or a walk outside while listening to a podcast (usually Freakonomics or a medical podcast). I also grudgingly mix in some strength/resistance training, which is not my favourite, but I know it’s important.
Question: What does your diet look like?
I follow a mediterranean (ish) diet with a good amount of protein. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the mediterranean diet lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease, including a heart attack or stroke.
Question: How has leading a healthy lifestyle impacted your career?
I can feel a difference when I don’t work out for a few days due to travel or volume of work and feel the relief when I get back to the routine. The investment I make in maintaining a mostly healthy lifestyle makes me better at my job, and more relaxed when I’m not working.
3. Leslie Gottlieb: Insurance Broker
Question: What are your main fitness activities?
Taking a break midday to swim laps. I find this to be meditative and great exercise. Also, getting a dog has forced me to get up from my desk more for walks.
Leslie’s thoughts are backed by science, as several studies have shown that people with dogs tend to live longer. Some suggest a 24% reduced risk of death from any cause and a 31% reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular issues.
Question: What does your diet look like?
I focus on fish, fruits and veggies, low to no carbs, minimal sugar, etc.
Question: How has leading a healthy lifestyle impacted your career?
I have more energy and a clearer mind. Dr. Chong Chen, assistant professor in the department of neuroscience at Yamaguchi University, Japan, shares Leslie’s contention: “Even a single, brief bout of aerobic exercise can ignite creative thinking.”
4. Justin Manning: Insurance Broker
Question: What are your main fitness activities?
Swimming, cycling, kayaking and strength training. I also use a standing desk and will be incorporating a walking pad soon.
Question: What does your diet look like?
I have been following intermittent fasting for ten years, and a 100% plant-based nutrition for sixteen years. I have also been alcohol-free for ten years and have been caffeine-free for five years.
Question: How has leading a healthy lifestyle impacted your career?
It allows me to build strength and release stress. “Health is wealth!”
5. Casey Cameron: Insurance Broker
Question: What are your main fitness activities?
I’ve been doing High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) 3 times a week for 10 years now. In terms of time in and results out, I think HIIT is the most time-efficient.
Question: How has leading a healthy lifestyle impacted your career?
Exercise has positively impacted my home and work life. It’s great family bonding time and has also done wonders for my overall mental health, self-confidence, energy and productivity. In my 40s, I learned to ski with my daughter and skate/play ice hockey with my son. IMO learning new sports later in life makes it feel much easier to continually adapt professionally. I’ve also built great relationships through these new sports.
