Break Up Periods of Inactivity With Movement
Ever found yourself sitting or lying for hours, feeling sluggish and unproductive? That’s because the lack of movement tends to sap our energy. So, it’s particularly beneficial to break up stagnation with movement, both for the sake of good health and productivity.
An excellent way to go about it is to set a timer to remind you to get up and be active for at least a couple of minutes. For example, you can set your timer at 30 minutes. Once it goes off, get up from your chair, walk around a bit, maybe do some upper body stretches, a few deep breaths, and sit back down.
If you want an added challenge, you can do some squats, push-ups, or sit-ups every hour - it’s a great way to get fitter and break up inactivity. When you’re at home, rather than spending hours watching TV, get up regularly and do some chores: cleaning, taking out the garbage, or something similar.
Sneak In Physical Activity Whenever You Can
Most of us don’t think about it, but small actions add up and can have a drastic impact on our bottom line. So, it’s essential to find creative ways of sneaking more physical activity into each day. Here are some ideas:
a) Take the stairs. At the mall, at work, when visiting a friend, or somewhere else. Don’t think about it; just use the stairs. Sure, it’s not much, but it makes a difference.
b) Leave your car a few minutes away from where you want to be. For example, if you’re driving downtown to meet friends, leave your car half a mile away and walk the remaining distance.
c) Use your lunch break to take a walk or hit a quick workout. If you work near a park, why not go for a quick walk on your lunch break? It’s a great way to unwind, relax, and get some fresh air before tackling the second half of your workday.
d) Walk to the water fountain. Rather than keep a water bottle on your desk, use a cup and walk to the water fountain for regular refills. It’s a great way to bump your step count and keep hydrated.
e) Take a walk after dinner - it’s a great way to relax after the long day, spend some time with your family, and digest your dinner more easily. And it doesn’t have to be anything long either. As little as ten minutes every night can make a tremendous difference.
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