Best Ways to Stay Active Without Trying

It’s the dreariest part of winter, and we’re tired of staying inside. Outside the snow continues to fall, but we’re acutely aware that spring is coming, with summer not far behind. As New Year’s Resolutions begin to crumble, we’re feeling the pull to be active again.

Staying active doesn’t have to be a huge commitment involving monumental goals. The most achievable steps to everyday wellness are within your reach AND within your schedule. By thinking creatively – and sometimes a little less “efficiently” – you can make little bursts of activity part of your every day life.

1. Greet the Day – Do you check your phone as soon as you wake up? Set the screen aside for a minute and start you day by waking up your body. In just five-minutes, you can do a simple yoga routine or simply spend time focusing your mind for the day ahead.
2. Take the Stairs – Is your office on the second floor? Skip the elevator and take the stairs every time you come and go. For extra steps, use the restroom or fill up your water on a different floor than your office, forcing you to get up during the day.
3. Park in the Back – Rather than parking in the closest spot while running errands, choose a spot near the back of the lot or a few streets over. You’ll probably have more options, and you’ll get some extra walking in. Admittedly, this can be less enjoyable in the winter, but once you’ve formed the habit, you won’t think twice!
4. Spend Time with Kids – Any busy mom can tell you, kids will keep you on your toes! If you don’t have little ones yourself, offer to watch a family member or friend’s kids for an evening. If you do have kids, choose a game in the evening that will get your blood pumping – like hide-and-go-seek tag or a dance off. Your kids will appreciate the creativity, and you’ll benefit from an energy boost, too.
5. Do Desk Exercises – Get the whole team on board! Invite your co-workers to do a little desk yoga with you. It’s a great way to beat the mid-afternoon slump and help your body balance after sitting all day.
6. Schedule a Walk and Talk – Double the productivity of your meetings by making them walk-and-talks. Agree on an agenda beforehand than discuss each item as you power walk around the block or the building. If your meetings require privacy, technology or handouts, schedule a walk to catch up with a friend on your lunch break instead.
7. Wear Compression Legwear – It’s as simple as putting on a pair of socks! Graduated compression helps promote blood flow in your legs all day, so you can work hard and still have energy at the end of the day. Wearing compression socks not only supports your health today, but can help prevent any negative effects from sitting or standing for long periods of time.

With these tips and a little flexibility, you don’t have to spend hours in the gym to stay healthy. Weaving activity into your daily routine can be a sustainable approach to well-being – outlasting even your best-intentioned resolutions.

Tell us how you stay active every day in the comments below! We’d love to hear your ideas.