Changing your lifestyle can be overwhelming. When we think of getting healthy we assume we need to eat less and work out more. While it’s true that you can’t outwork a bad diet, we also need to move. It can be daunting but it doesn’t have to be. There are many things we can change in our daily life to help ourselves to be less sedentary. When we’re thinking about being healthier, we need to think about moving more.
Getting to the gym is great but it’s not the only thing you can do. Think about it, most of us spend about an hour at the gym, but what about the other 15 or so waking hours of the day?
What’s your workday look like? Do you need to drive to work? Is it possible to walk or ride your bike? If you need to take an elevator to your office, how about taking the stairs instead? Back when I was working, my studio was on the 4th floor. Whenever I could, I tried to take the stairs & believe me, I could feel it! Wherever you’re going, think about how you’re getting there.
We all have to grocery shop or shop for clothes, right? Parking further out in the parking lot will give you more time to walk. I guarantee you that if you set your mind to parking further out- you’ll see a spot right next to the door every time! Just go ahead and pass it up and thank yourself for making a healthy choice! Your body will thank you!
When the weather is nice you can also take your dog for a walk. I know after a long day at work it’s easy just to let them go out to the backyard, but it might be kind of relaxing for you (and them) to take them out for a walk instead.
When you’re home with your kids, make some time each day to play a game with them. Maybe a game of one-on-one or tag? I have a friend that would have her grandkids over every week to play kickball! She made them jersey’s and everything! When my grandson comes over, he loves for you to chase him. I could chase him all over the house and he just cracks up! I usually run out of steam before he does!
How often do you get together with a friend for coffee? (Seriously one of my favorite activities!) Last week, I had a coffee date set with a friend. She texted before we were going to meet and asked if I minded going for a walk instead of meeting at the coffee shop. We had so much fun! While I LOVE drinking coffee, this was an easy way to hang out with a friend AND still get some light exercise in.
Making little changes in our habits can add up to big benefits! What’s one thing you can change tomorrow?
photo: The Little Stock Shop
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