Adding Movement to Your Day

By Donna Stark

Rat race, daily grind, hamster wheel of life. These terms can all be equated with work, obligations, and those dreaded responsibilities we have day in and day out, and although the work that we do is important, it can certainly take a toll on our health, can't it? In fact, the prevalence of sedentary jobs has increased so dramatically over the years, that sitting is now referred to as the new smoking. And that's pretty bad. It's easy to see how the workday can interfere with our health and fitness goals when it is coupled with the normal busyness that consumes our days and nights. The good thing though, is that there are plenty of steps you can take to increase your level of physical activity throughout the different parts of your day. Here are some suggestions.

Your Commute

Obviously, one of the best ways to increase your physical activity during your commute to work is to skip the drive and ride or walk to work instead. But that's not always in the cards for everyone and you may need to resort to other measures, such as choosing the farther parking spot so you can get those extra steps in or packing your running shoes in your car so you can go for a walk or run before driving home.

Your Office

Forget those crowded elevators and the awkward silence between strangers. Take the stairs instead! In addition to adding some extra steps (literally) into your day, it's also a great way to burn some extra calories! And the extra effort that you put into it will definitely add up over time.

Your Lunch Break

Your lunch break is a great opportunity to get a small workout in, especially if you have a full hour to use up and you can save some time by skipping the restaurants and packing your own healthy lunch instead. Then use what you have left over to go for a short walk and to do some light stretching in your office. You couldn't ask for a better way to increase your physical activity while decompressing from a busy morning.

Your Work

If you can, try to hold some of your meetings outside and have your discussions while taking a walk. Obviously, this idea works best if the meeting consists of only a few people, but it is a perfect opportunity to get yourself and your coworkers moving! Exercise also helps to stimulate focus and creativity, so who knows? You may have some of your best discussions yet by doing this!

Keep Moving

The transformation that takes place in your body is significant when you start adding more movement to your days, so what are you waiting for? Go ahead and hop back on that hamster wheel of life, only this time, keep moving and don't be a couch potato!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Raleigh, N.C.