For around a decade now, Richard Branson has been threatening to become the first passenger aboard Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo.

Now it looks like it’s finally going to happen.

Branson has announced that he plans on lifting off into space on or close to July 20, the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11’s landing on the moon.

We’ll have to wait and see if he actually goes through with it this time, and you can read more about that here.

In the meantime, Branson’s plans to get his astronaut wings are just one of the things that keep him busy.

He also blogs every day and runs a multi-billion dollar company.

How does he do it all? CNBC says it has nothing to do with email, personal assistants or to-do lists.

In fact, Branson’s tip for staying productive is surprisingly simple.

“The only reason I’m able to do all the things I do and to keep on top of a busy schedule without getting too stressed is because I stay fit,” the billionaire entrepreneur writes on his blog.

Making time for exercise, he says, doubles his productivity.

“If people are feeling their best, they will be their most productive selves at work,” writes Branson. Plus, there are other benefits: “I find exercise the most natural and effective mood booster there is.”

Science backs him up. Studies have shown that exercise can improve memory and mental acuity, reduce stress, and promote creativity.

It also doesn’t hurt to be in top form if you’re planning on going to space.

Branson, who prefers playing tennis, kite-surfing and lifting weights, dedicates at least an hour a day to working out. “Many people say they don’t have the time for exercise, and you’re right, you don’t have the time unless you make the time,” he says.

Make it a priority, he encourages, because “there is nothing more important than looking after yourself.”

Mark Zuckerberg has also spoken about the importance of exercise, but we have no proof that he’s human so this could be a trick.

On the other hand, Oprah Winfrey, Mark Cuban, and Alexa Von Tobel also prioritise exercise, so that adds a bit more credibility.

To make it a consistent habit, find easy ways to fold exercise into your routine, says Branson: “Go for a walk around the park with a friend instead of going to the pub, find the health club closest to your house, join a team sport. … There are so many options — try a few and see what sticks.”

Even if this is a veiled attempt at getting us all into Virgin Active gyms, it’s worth a try.

I’m sure we could all use a little more motivation and productivity in our lives.

[source:cnbc]