Too busy at work to find time to exercise? You’ll need to find another excuse, because exercise is shown to help you become more productive.

A Swedish study published by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine compared three groups of workers from a typical office environment.

One group was assigned to a mandatory exercise program of two and half hours a week carried out during regular work hours.

Another group received the same reduction in work hours, but no exercise program, and a third group worked regular hours with no time off for exercise.

The researchers found that employees assigned to the exercise program felt more productive while on the job, and had a reduced rate of work absences due to illness.

A separate study by researchers at the University of Bristol in England showed that when employees exercise before work or during lunch break they are more productive, happier and suffer less stress than on non-exercise days.

They are also better equipped to handle whatever the day throws at them, showing that exercise during work hours has mental as well as physical benefits.

These studies indicate that taking time out to exercise isn’t lost time; it helps you become better at what you do professionally.