Exercise and Business Productivity

Exercise and Business Productivity
Susie E Caron © 1/21/2020

My Dad used to say, “You can’t take it with you,” and after a pause, he’d add, “ but it’s nice to have enough to get you there.” He was referring, of course at the time, to money. Today, I equate it with physical exercise and how adding a little affected my business productivity.
 
Due to my cranky shoulder, and some limiting effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis,  I sit  for hours painting pet and animal portraits and scenes. Capturing details especially requires hours of stillness and concentration. (Sometimes I even hold my breath.) I know this isn’t healthy. However, exercise isn’t something I enjoy, readily think about or plan for.
 
Everyone knows exercise is important and statistically equated with longer life and good health. I know I can’t live forever, but I certainly want good enough health to get me there.  I realized if I wanted to continue creating quality art for a long time, I needed to make some changes.
 
After retirement in 2015, I bought an exercise bike and a rowing machine and used them most mornings each week. I added a timer to remind me to get up from my desk once every hour and engage in something that required me to move. These additions were not easily added to my busy days and my exercise progress was very slow. However, even this minimal addition of exercise and movement yielded some improvements.
 
Over the years my circulation, physical well-being, and ease of movement improved. What surprised me most? The number and quality of my paintings all improved.  By adding exercise to my busy schedule for health reasons, also increased my business productivity.
 
My Dad would be pleased to know I remembered his words. I know I won’t  be able to take health or art ‘with me’ but perhaps with attention I will have enough of both to ‘get me there.’
 

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Acrylic on Canvas paintings, SCaron, Jan. 1-Jan.15, 2020