Regular exercise plays a crucial role in our physical and mental health. In the past, staying active was a natural part of daily life because survival required physical effort. But nowadays, many of us have desk jobs that keep us seated for long periods.
It’s not just work that keeps us sitting; many leisure activities also involve sitting down, whether it’s watching TV, meeting friends at a pub, playing online games, or reading. These activities are enjoyable and important for our well-being, so we shouldn’t give them up. However, it’s essential to balance them with movement to avoid long stretches of inactivity.
Adding some physical activity to your daily routine can make a big difference, and here are some simple strategies to help you get started:
1. **Talk to Colleagues in Person**: Instead of sending an email, get up and walk to a colleague’s desk if you have a question. This not only gets you moving but also helps build relationships at work. Just be mindful not to interrupt them too often.
2. **Stay Hydrated**: Drinking water regularly can be a great way to ensure you get up and move. Set a reminder to drink water every hour. If you’re in an office, offer to make drinks for your coworkers occasionally, adding even more steps to your routine. Plus, drinking more water will make you need to visit the restroom more frequently, giving you another reason to move.
3. **Use Reminders to Move**: It’s easy to get absorbed in work or entertainment and forget to move. Web browser extensions like Pomodoro timers can remind you to take breaks and be more productive. These tools split your work into chunks with regular breaks, which encourages movement.
4. **Incorporate Activity into Your Commute**: No matter how you travel to work, there are always ways to add some exercise. If you take public transport, try walking to the next stop or getting off a stop early. If you drive, park a bit farther from the entrance. Feeling more energetic? Consider walking or cycling the entire way. It’s a great exercise and saves you money on transport.
5. **Use Fitness Trackers**: Wearable technology like fitness trackers and smartwatches can help you monitor your activity levels. They can also remind you to stay active if you’ve been sitting too long. Most new trackers can track your hourly steps and nudge you if you haven’t moved enough.
How will you add more activity to your routine? Trying out some of these tips might be a good start. The key is to just begin, and today is a perfect day to do so!