It was a busy Tuesday afternoon and I had been tasked to lead a key meeting between stakeholders and leadership at my current employer, a large electric and gas company.

We were seeking to align on a key issue that had been a source of pain for years, causing friction and steadily chipping away at our productivity and morale.

As we grappled with potential solutions, I was under a great deal of pressure to help facilitate a productive session that could ease tensions, restore confidence, and benefit our team and organization.

With the daunting task slated to occur in a mere four hours, I turned to the one thing that could get me into the right mental space: exercise.

I opted for my go-to workout: an 8-mile run into the mountains of Twin Peaks, a quiet neighborhood nestled in one of San Francisco’s hilly and historic areas.

It was just the mental boost I needed.

Running in nature felt restorative, refreshing, and majestic: The rhythmic sound of my footsteps hitting the pavement, serving as a calming mantra and drowning out the swirling anxieties in my mind. The calming sounds of trees rustling in the winds. The view of the hazy downtown city skyline. The coziness of the foggy air hugging my skin as I paced briskly through the mountains. The caws of the black crows as they elegantly soared in unison across the expansive sky, then descending and landing on the mountain tops.

With each breath that filled my lungs, I was met with a fresh outlook; a world of new opportunities and possibilities. I could feel the tension melting away with every stride I took across the serene landscape.

As I pushed myself further towards the top, the rush of endorphins surged and coursed through my body, transforming my apprehensive thoughts into a heightened level of focus.

The moment was precious and defining, enabling me to rediscover my strength, both physically and mentally, and reminding me that no matter how daunting a challenge may seem, I am always capable of rising to meet it.

After the liberating run, I felt focused, confident, ultra lucid, and rejuvenated. My mind was devoid of distractions and I was ready to take on the heavy task of leading the meeting.

Upon initiating the session, there was a palpable sense of anticipation as team members shuffled in, many of them holding their notes and laptops, ready to engage in crucial discussions that could shape the future of our team.

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, reflecting on the agenda we had prepared and the critical issues we needed to address.

I welcomed everyone, emphasizing the importance of open communication, constructive dialogue, and collaboration to drive our initiatives forward and navigate through the complexities we faced as a collective unit.

The meeting ended up being a huge success and I received great feedback for my communication skills, ability to facilitate questions and concerns, and eagerness to prompt engagement.

Were it not for the transformative benefits of exercise, I don’t know if I would have been able to accomplish the feat with such aplomb.

The Importance of Exercise

The advantages of physical activity and exercise are clear.

In a study published in the National Library of Medicine, it found that exercise can help children improve their “physical condition, self-esteem, social skill, and behavior and establish a positive lifestyle for their future lifespan.”

In another study published in the International Journal of Sport Culture and Science, it found that individuals who exercised for longer periods had “higher communication skills and… behavioral regulation averages.”

Let’s now take a closer look at some of the key benefits of exercise and how it can enhance communication skills.

1. Builds Mental Clarity and Focus

Participating in regular activity can help enhance brain performance and improve cognitive abilities such as focus, memory, and decision-making.

When we are able to think more clearly, we become more equipped to organize thoughts, follow conversations, and respond to others in a timely and effective manner.

2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Exercise, particularly aerobic activity, can help release endorphins. This is crucial in reducing stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression.

Having less anxiety can also lead to feeling more confident and relaxed when engaging in conversations. And when you’re less stressed, you’re able to listen more attentively, think on your feet, and express yourself clearly.

3. Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem

Engaging in physical activity can help promote a healthier body image and give you a sense of accomplishment, ultimately contributing to higher self-esteem.

A positive self-image can also set the foundation for being a more confident and assertive communicator, allowing you to comfortably express ideas and emotions.

4. Improves Posture and Non-Verbal Communication

Physical activity can improve posture, flexibility, and body awareness. This is particularly important in face-to-face communication, where non-verbal cues such as body language, eye contact, and gestures, play a significant role in conveying messages.

Standing tall and projecting confidence can go a far way in getting others to respond to you positively.

5. Increases Energy Levels

Regular exercise can play a big part in boosting overall energy levels, making you feel more active and alert.

This can result in you engaging in more dynamic conversations, as you are less likely to feel fatigued or distracted, resulting in clearer and more healthy communication habits.

6. Good for Emotional Regulation

Exercise serves as a great tool for regulating emotions, effectively balancing hormones such as cortisol (a stress hormone) and serotonin (a mood regulator).

Having a higher level of emotional stability allows for more composed and thoughtful communication, especially in high-pressure or emotionally charged situations.

7. Enhances Listening Skills

Physical activity, especially activities such as yoga and other mindfulness-based exercises, can encourage a “present-focused” mindset.

Being more present in conversations can help improve your ability to listen more intently, thus, improving your capacity to remain calm, focused, and engage in more empathetic and effective communication.

8. Builds Social Connection and Teamwork

Activities such as group exercises and team sports provide great opportunities for you to engage in social interactions and hone your communication skills in a collaborative setting.

Whether it’s coordinating with teammates or following instructions from a trainer, exercise can help stimulate your ability to communicate clearly in individual and group settings.

9. Improves Sleep

One of the most compelling aspects of regular physical activity is its ability to promote better sleep patterns, as getting the requisite amount of sleep can have a direct impact on your communication.

Well-rested individuals tend to be more alert, emotionally regulated, and adept at articulating thoughts and ideas.

10. Strengthens Long-Term Cognitive Health

Over time, consistent exercise can improve long-term cognitive health, including memory and the ability to process information quickly.

This can be a huge factor in complex discussions or decision-making processes, where quick thinking and problem-solving are vital.

Final Thoughts

Being able to dip into a consistent exercise routine has not only improved my physical fitness. It’s had a strong impact on my mental clarity and social interactions.

By incorporating exercise into our daily routines, this can create more opportunities for us to practice and refine our communication abilities, leading to stronger personal and professional relationships.

About the Author

Charles Anietie Iyoho

I’m a communication coach, award-winning technical communicator, blogger, professor, and sports aficionado.

For communication advice, uplifting musical content, and thought-provoking interviews and blog content, join me at: https://anietiecommunity.com/why-i-started-this-community/.