Technology has made everything easier, making people participate less in physical activities. Consequently, they are gaining weight, becoming lazy, unmotivated, and prone to many health conditions. But the good part is that adding movements to your daily routine does not require intense workouts or hours at the gym. Simple changes can make a great difference and let you achieve a healthy body and mind.

Taking stairs, cycling or walking to the office, stretching regularly, and using a standing desk, for example, can help you engage muscles, burn calories, prevent weight gain, and help you feel good. So, whether you are a professional parent, entrepreneur, student, or even a night shift worker, these strategies are easier to adopt. Continue reading if you want to explore other ways to add more movement to your day for a healthier lifestyle!

Eight Ways To Add More Movement Throughout The Day

Here are eight ways to add little workout sessions to your daily schedule to stay healthy and fit:

Cycling Or Walking To Work

You can walk to your workplace if you do not live far away. Besides that, you can also use a cycle or a cardio bike to the office. It is beneficial for the environment as it reduces your carbon footprint and also improves physical activity. Both walking and cycling are beneficial for your cardiac health. If you are using a car, you can still get time for walking. For example, you can park your car a little far away so you have to walk towards your office, adding additional steps to your day.

Take The Stairs

Taking the stairs instead of elevators or escalators is one of the easiest ways to add movement during your day. Though it may sound strange, it is one of the most efficient ways to improve heart health, strengthen the muscles of the legs, and improve overall fitness. It helps with balance and improves overall lower limbic health. You can even raise your heels off the edge of a step for better calf strength. It is recommended to make a habit of taking the stairs whenever you get a chance to.

Take Walking Meetings

If you work remotely, attending meetings while walking is better. It is best to do so when you don't have to look at the screen for your notes. Remember that you can still solve the world's problems while on a walk. You can encourage everyone to have a walk-in meeting if you work in an office. Discussing crucial matters in a walking meeting generates great ideas and promotes team bonding. You also get fresh air and sunlight, which benefits focus and mood. It also helps in reducing burnout.

Use A Standing Desk

Companies now offer standing desks at workplaces. They have realized how bad it is to sit staring at the computer for too long. Sitting for too long is dangerous for health, leading to bad posture, backaches, and metabolic syndrome. Hence, use a standing desk to work instead of sitting. More muscles are worked out when you are standing instead of sitting. If you get tired from standing, switch between standing and sitting. You can take small breaks while working if your workplace does not have standing desks. You can stand up and move around to make phone calls, check email on your mobile, or get a coffee.

Move Around Often

You are always sitting while watching TV or scrolling through your phone. Next time you scroll through your phone, walk around the house. Calls with best friends can be long, so the opportunity to take a walk in the park. It will also help you get some fresh air. When watching TV, do not just sit there and do squats, pushups, sit-ups, or jumping during adverts. Join your kids and play games that require physical activity, like hide and seek or football. Adding small movements to your daily life may seem ineffective, but the results go a long way.

Do Chores And Engage In Active Hobbies

Cleaning the house is a form of exercise. Mop the floor, wash the dishes and clothes, mow the lawn, and clean the kitchen and furniture. You can increase your daily physical activity by doing these tasks. Consider these tasks as mini-workout sessions. Choose a hobby that involves physical activity. For example, gardening, sports, dancing, hiking, and other fun activities add movement throughout your daily life. Exercising or working out will no longer be a burden. Daily chores will be enough to fill the 'physical activity session' of your day.

Stretch Regularly

Want to improve your strength, flexibility, balance, and blood circulation? Try stretching. It is a free way to add some movement throughout your day. While working long hours, stretch your arms and neck for mobility. It will reduce the tightening of muscles around the neck and shoulders. Try stretching for 10-20 minutes daily for improved flexibility. You can also do stretching while lying down. Lie straight in your bed, and stretch your feet upwards and downwards to stretch the muscles of the legs. It is been proven scientifically that stretching before bed can improve sleep quality.

Walk Your Dog

If you are too lazy to go on a walk by yourself, take your dog out with you for a walk. It is no secret that having a pet in the house cannot be less than a workout session every day. Studies have suggested that dog owners tend to have reduced stress levels and lower blood pressure. They have better overall health than those who don't own dogs. You can add to your schedule to walk your dog 30 minutes a day. That adds 210 minutes per week, making it the best way to add movements to your daily life as a dog owner.

Conclusion

Maintenance of a good routine takes time and consistency. It takes patience to build a habit that will help you in the long run. You can start by adding small movements to your schedule. Walk in the front yard for 10 minutes once a week. Start slowly stretching while working or watching TV. Incorrect methods of stretching cause muscle cramps, so be careful. You can stay physically fit by doing house chores and engaging in hobbies, adding movement to your daily life. Take the stairs instead of a lift whenever possible. Once you start adding movements to your schedule, you'll feel more active.