8 Sneaky Ways to Be More Active in Your Daily Routine

When you've got a packed schedule, balancing all of the things you're supposed to do every day can start to feel impossible. Between work, social activities, familial obligations and sleep, where do people find the time and energy to keep everything tidy and pursue hobbies while taking great care of themselves—including exercise?

We don't have all of the answers, but we do have a few suggestions for sneaking in some extra, low-effort activity throughout the day. Keep reading for eight of our top tips.

Take the Stairs

This one might be obvious, but taking the stairs regularly, instead of navigating floors regularly by elevator or escalator, is a great way to naturally work some activity into your routine. Even in short bursts, it can be excellent cardio, and exerts four times as much energy as regular walking. It may seem like a small thing, but it can really add up over time—especially if your home or workplace has multiple floors.

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Have Walking Meetings

When you're scheduling a meeting, whether one-on-one or with a small group, consider making it a walking meeting instead of a boring sit-down one in the office. For one, it can feel way more casual, reducing the sometimes stressful tone of meetings, but it's also a good way to get outside moving during the day. Enjoy the weather and stroll over to a coffee shop to make it a nice treat.

 

Also read about: Love Pilates? Here Are 5 More Workouts You Should Try

 

Get Out of Your Seat

Ever heard the phrase "sitting is the new smoking"? We won't go that far, but we do agree that if you have a desk job, getting off your rear and standing as much as you can during the day is a way to be more "active" without even realizing it. If you'd prefer not to invest in a standing desk, you may also have a counter in the vicinity that's the appropriate height for standing while you work—even if that's just for an hour or so a day. There are even different treadmills designed as desks or to go under your desk to turn the effort into legitimate exercise.

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Or, Move While You Sit

If you're the type who finds a standing desk setup distracting, you may prefer something that allows you to be more active without getting up. Under-the-desk ellipticals and bike stationary bike pedals you to work with minimal disruptions, and many also come with features like step trackers and timers to help you set goals and keep an eye on your progress.

 

Also read about: Here's Every Item You Should Include in Your Gym Duffle Bag

 

Take Your Breaks (and Use Them)

We're always tempted to work through breaks when we have big projects and deadlines looming, but just a few minutes away from a task can help you get re-energized and see it with a fresh pair of eyes—especially if you use that time to move. Whether you go outside for a quick walk and some fresh air or just take that time to do some stretching or a little yoga, you'll see just how much that bit of activity can do for your focus and concentration.

 

Park Farther Away

Most of us are guilty of wasting time in the parking lot, driving in circles in an effort to find the "best" spot, but we've become a lot happier since we've given up on the idea. Intentionally parking farther away from your intended destination means you get a few more steps in each way, and the best part is that those less-coveted spots are usually wide open. Despite the extra leg work, you just might get in and out of there faster than if you'd hunted for a better space.

 

Also read about: 5 Best Low-Impact Exercises to Reduce Joint Pain

 

Add Movement to Sedentary Activities

Watching TV or a movie doesn't have to be an entirely passive activity. You can still pay attention and get just as much enjoyment out of it by adding a bit of movement, whether you're simply stretching or doing yoga poses, doing planks or toning exercises or fully running on a treadmill.

(via Shutterstock)

 

Move to the Rhythm

If music is part of your regular routine, why not make the most of it and dance along? Dancing is one of those activities that's too fun to think of as "exercise," yet it gives you all of the same benefits as you move, step and sway to the beat. There really are no rules to dancing to music, especially when you're alone, so just go with it and see where it takes you.

 

New to yoga? Click HERE to discover some of the best poses for beginners.