While everybody knows that exercise is required for optimum health, many people find it difficult to fit exercise into their busy lives. Fortunately, health professionals now know that health and fitness don’t require prolonged sessions of rigorous physical activity. In fact, most people can improve their health by incorporating a few changes into their day-to-day activities. Try one or more of these suggestions and you’ll soon start to feel more energetic and healthy.
Park on the far side
While running errands, always park your car as far from the place you’re visiting as possible. Not only will the extra steps help improve your health, but your car won’t be subjected to as many dings from other car’s doors.
Take the stairs
Whenever you have a choice, take stairs instead of an elevator. Most buildings put the elevators near the entrance, while the stairs may be harder to find. Looking for the stairs is worth the effort because climbing stairs is great for your heart and lungs.
Get a dog
Dog owners must walk their pets at least twice a day, so owning a dog automatically forces the owner to get more exercise. Don’t get a dog just as an exercise buddy though. Research shows that patting a pet lowers blood pressure and reduces other stress effects, and dogs are great company. Be sure to match the dog’s temperament and size to your surroundings before making a commitment.
Stand up to talk on the phone and do computing work
Instead of sitting at your desk or on the couch, stand up and walk around while you’re on the phone. You won’t even notice the extra exercise, but your body will. If you must sit, fidget. Fidgeting burns a surprising number of extra calories. I purchased a Varidesk so that I can stand up during the day and work on my computer. It is amazing how much more energy I have at the end of the day when I stand to work – rather than sit. So Keep moving!
