Simple Ways To Move More and Sit Less

When it comes to movement, small swaps can make a huge difference in helping you become more active in your daily life. Consider how you can sneak more movement into your routine with manageable changes.

Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Swap sitting for standing. Think about how much you sit during the day. Can you do any of those activities while standing? Consider taking a phone call while standing, stretching during TV commercial breaks or using a walking pad if your job requires you to be at a desk.

• Get your steps in. Whether you need to go to the store, drop a letter in the mailbox or take the kids to school, consider walking instead of driving to increase your daily steps and enjoy some fresh air. If the errands you need to run are too far to walk reasonably, try making other swaps, like parking farther from entrances or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

• Put the phone down. It can be easy to find yourself in a pattern of doom scrolling, especially if you are in the habit of taking your phone with you from room to room. Next time you feel the urge to grab your phone or turn a screen on, pause and take a few minutes to stretch or do some intermittent aerobic movement like jumping jacks or a few squats. Engaging in movement will distract you from your device, clear your mind, and allow you to be more aware of when you are engaging with electronics.

• Prioritize being active. Think about your schedule and where you can fit in movement. Suggest meeting a friend for a walk through a park instead of having coffee at a café or if you don’t need to take notes, try a walking meeting. Just like you make time to brush your teeth or eat a meal, prioritizing movement will lead to healthy habits, boosting your wellbeing both physically and mentally.

Remember to keep movement simple and fun. Small changes add up, and before you know it, moving more will feel like second nature.