Simple Ways to Stay Active

Staying active throughout the day is one of the most effective ways you can take control of your health. Even small amounts of exercise can enhance cardiovascular health, build strength, promote weight management, and play an important role in maintaining your mental health.

Simple ways to stay active

You can make a big impact on your health with small changes that will have you moving more throughout your day:

1. Stretch in the morning: Stretching can improve your flexibility, ease of movement, and decrease your risk of injury. A few basic stretches in the morning go a long way.
2. Take the stairs: Choosing to walk up a flight of stairs instead of riding the elevator is a quick way to get more steps in and increase your heart rate.
3. Park far away from store entrances: Just a few dozen more steps throughout your day burns calories and encourages you to build healthy habits.
4. Walk around your house while doing other things: Taking a stroll around your home while you brush your teeth, talk on the phone, or watch TV helps you to avoid staying still for too long.
5. Ramp up your household chores: You can cross off two "To-Do's" at once when you get your heart rate up and tidy up the house. Scrubbing down floors, vacuuming the carpets, and doing laundry all count toward your movement for the day.
6. Stand when you can: Finding ways to move while working an office or remote position can be challenging, but even standing as opposed to sitting can burn a few more calories throughout the day and keep your muscles engaged. Set a reminder to stand up and walk around at least once an hour.