By Simple Strategies for Busy Professionals
Exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining both physical and mental well-being. Just like brushing teeth, eating, and sleeping, it should be an essential part of everyone’s daily routine. Many individuals often find excuses to avoid exercise, citing a lack of time, energy, or motivation. However, these reasons should not overshadow the importance of staying active.
Incorporating exercise into daily life doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. There are simple and effortless ways to increase physical activity throughout the day. While starting a new exercise routine may initially cause fatigue, it soon leads to increased energy levels, improved mood, and overall better health. By making small changes and prioritizing movement, anyone can reap the benefits of regular exercise.
Key Takeaways
- Regular exercise leads to increased energy and improved well-being
- Exercise is essential for physical and mental health
- Simple ways exist to incorporate activity into daily routines
4 easy ways to add exercise to your daily routine
One: Increase your daily step count
Walking is a simple yet effective form of exercise. Try walking to work once or twice a week if possible. If the distance is too far, use lunch breaks to get more steps. Eat at your desk first, then take a stroll. Or walk after eating to aid digestion and reduce feelings of fullness.
Some ideas to boost your step count:
- Walk to nearby errands instead of driving
- Walk part of the way to work
- Take a lunchtime walk
- Use a step counter app for motivation
Two: Move more throughout the day
Take frequent breaks from sitting to keep your body active. Use stairs instead of elevators when possible. At home or work, stand up regularly to stretch or do quick tasks.
Tips for more movement:
- Use a standing desk for part of the day
- Set reminders to stand up every hour
- Do some light stretches when you stand
- Take phone calls while walking around
Three: Get to the gym in the morning.
I find that a lot of people are too tired to get to the gym after work, or lunchtime workouts can become interrupted by meetings and deadlines. Once that starts to happen regularly, the routine disappears. This is why I schedule working out in the morning, THere is literally no excuse (apart from sleeping), no one can interrupt, call or bother you. It’s a time of clarity, focus and you are fresh and ready to go. Remember, morning exercise helps to set you up for a positive and productive day ahead. What’s better than this?
Four: Instead of shopping on weekends, go for a hike instead!
Get some friends together, or even your family, and indulge in a long walk. Take your camera with you and make it a memorable one. What’s better than getting outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine? You don’t even have to hike in a rainforest. How about a beach hike, or even at a national park? Anything is better than spending time in shopping centres amongst fluorescent lights. Make a habit of getting outdoors on those beautiful days and really appreciate how great life is.
Join a fitness group or club. So many people love being amongst others in a group setting. Now that we can expand our groups outdoors, schedule a convenient time and date to go out all together and motivate one another. It could be cycling, running or even a powerwalking group. Find something you enjoy and get to know some different people socialise and get into an exercise routine. I highly recommend some form of outdoor training, and you can even spend some much needed time with those friends you’ve missed due to lockdown. What a great way to laugh, catch up and get healthy again.
As you can see, it’s not that difficult to get exercise into your life. There is something for everyone, and you just have to be a little bit creative. Find what you enjoy and try it out.