We all know how important it is to have daily exercise to ensure we stay fit and healthy, and in January keeping fit, or getting fit is one of the most common resolutions.
But it’s not that easy is it?
As someone who enjoys getting out and about for leisure, but not for ‘exercise’ it’s hard for me to get motivated. I’m not unfit but I’m certainly not as fit as I could be.
Working in an Office
When you’re working in an office all day, it can be really hard to not only find the motivation to get out and do some exercise but also the time – you woke in the dark and got home in the dark too, right? So many of us don’t take lunch breaks, instead feeling we’d be more productive eating at our desks and getting back to work – this not only makes our keyboards rather gross (the BBC reported that ‘some computer keyboards harbour more harmful bacteria than a toilet seat’) but means many of us don’t get to see daylight!
Working from home
As one of my resolutions this year, I’ve set myself the challenge to get out for a walk for at least 30 minutes every day, without any technology. That means leaving the house during the day to have a well earned break and not taking my phone with me. It seems these days that we just can’t do anything without our smartphones – and I am as guilty as the next person! By a ‘walk’ this doesn’t mean a six mile hike every day, it could just be a walk to the shops and back or round the local park. I want to see the seasons changing, clear my mind and feel fitter and healthier.
I am using a wall calendar to mark the days that I successfully get out walking, and those I don’t. Already this year, I’ve walked on four days out of five – but I know as I get back into the daily routine of work, getting out of the house will get harder!
Tips to get you out walking more
Here’s a few ideas of when & how to get out more without it seeming like a chore:
- Rather than lying in bed awake until the alarm gives you permission to rise (and snoozing it all the same), get up and go for a walk and plan your day with a clear head;
- Walking in your lunch break with a friend or colleague – have a good old fashioned chin wag!
- About to jump in the car to go somewhere? STOP and think if you could walk there instead;
- Got a business meeting? Make it a walking and talking meeting instead;
- Watching mind numbing nonsense on TV and flicking through the channels – go out and get some air;
- Plan walks at weekends with friends or family, we all enjoy it when we do it, so plan to do it more.
If you need any more motivation, this article details the benefits that walking has for your health click here
Hopefully I will be able to keep my resolution and will be healthier in body and mind for it, and will have put down that phone for at least some of the day!
What are you challenging yourself to do more of this year and how are you monitoring your achievements?
If you’d like some time back to get out for your daily walk, why not use a VA to help you in your business? If you’re unsure of what to delegate you can download our handy delegation list here.
Love this! So many people lose contact with the reality of being! Forgetting the simple pleasures in life like walking and actually taking in your own environment.
A walk really does sound nice…especially in the fresh air…I work at home too….