Working in an office job 9-5 can make the recommended 10,000 steps a day seem like an impossible task, yet it’s been proven that the health benefits of hitting this target daily are endless. Trying to increase your activity throughout the day can not only help you to stay fit and healthy but it can also do wonders for your mental focus and wellbeing. Here are five ways in which we try and keep active throughout the day.
Make the most of your lunch break
Maximising your lunch break is a great way not only to boost your daily step count, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to break up your day. Taking a full and relaxed lunch break rather than sitting and eating at your desk allows you to take a proper break and recharge for the afternoon. Even something as simple as going out for lunch (if you’re guilty of always just staying in the office) will be beneficial for your health. Get some fresh air and take a long walk, it’ll assure you’re focused and motivated for the rest of the day.
Change your commute
Depending on how far you live from the office, making your commute more active by cycling or walking can be a great way to incorporate those extra steps into your daily activity. Switching up how you get to and from work might just be the answer to hitting your daily step count.
Move more
It may seem like simple advice, but we all know what it’s like to become so engrossed in something that you really do forget to move, especially when sitting at a desk for 9 hours a day. Taking regular breaks is vital to ensure you’re keeping moving and the extra blood flow around the brain will also help boost productivity. Try working in short bursts, take regular breaks, stay hydrated and maybe even do a lap of the office – you’ll feel better for it when sitting back at your desk!
Take the stairs!
It might seem like a daunting prospect, but taking the stairs instead of the lift will help you hit your daily step count whilst also (depending which floor you’re on) giving you a mini pre-work workout. Try doing this daily until it becomes a habit, it will help you feel more focused for the day and increase your activity levels without you even noticing.
Stretch it out
Sitting all day isn’t great for your body. Whilst moving regularly is a great way to combat this, stretching is an even better way to help you feel more comfortable and focused at the desk. Take 5 minutes on your lunch break and just focus on moving your muscles, even just stretching and moving your wrists can help with the stiffness that can occur from the constant typing.
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