When your weekly schedule is chock-full of deadlines, meetings, and other demanding activities, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle isn’t always your top priority.
Still, it’s important to keep in mind that when you put physical activity on the back burner, you’re giving up some incredible body and mind benefits. You’re missing out on improved long-term health, boosted immunity, more restful sleep, and so much more.
If you’re wondering how to exercise when you’re busy, you’ve come to the right place. A hectic lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to compromise your health, and we’re going to show you how. Without further ado, here are some tips for adopting a more active lifestyle when you’re busy.
Always Take the Stairs
Part of adopting a more active lifestyle means taking every opportunity to work out your muscles and increase your heart rate, even if the activity seems minuscule.
The truth is this: small increments of exercise each day add up. That means you should take the stairs instead of the elevator, or walk the long way to your car rather than taking shortcuts.
Ditch the Car
If you live in an area where you can cycle or even walk to your destinations, you should definitely ditch driving your car.
Cycling is a great way to boost your heart rate, slim down, and improve your cardiovascular strength. By choosing to ride your bike or walk to work, school, or the store, you’re burning calories and helping the environment.
Make Time in the Morning
Carve out some time in the morning before your day gets busy to prioritize working out, even if that means getting up earlier. By setting your alarm and getting up to either go to the gym, go on a short jog, or even just follow a yoga YouTube video, you’re setting yourself up for success.
When you exercise in the morning, you’ll feel accomplished and healthier for the rest of the day.
Involve the Dog
Grab the leash and take your pup to the dog park or on a long walk to stay active. Your dog will benefit greatly from the exercise, so you won’t be the only one reaping the feel-good benefits. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your four-legged friend!
Develop a weekly routine to dedicate an hour or more to exercising with your dog and you’ll start to see and feel a difference in yourself.
Try Micro-Workouts
Micro-workouts are brief exercise bursts that can be done just about anywhere. Whether you’re standing in line at the grocery store, running errands, or sitting at your desk at the office, there are ways you can strengthen your muscles and increase your circulation.
Some popular micro-workouts include
- jumping jacks
- push-ups
- crunches
- alternate balancing on your legs
- star jumps
You can even develop your own micro-workouts that fit your needs. To make it even more fun, include your coworkers or family members!
Improve Your Wellbeing by Adopting an Active Lifestyle
Regular daily exercise can improve your overall health and even extend your lifetime by years. It’s important to prioritize physical activity even if you’re a busy person, so now that you know these tips you can start your journey to becoming more active!
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