Getting the recommended amount of physical activity at work can be a challenge, particularly if you spend most of your workday sitting at a desk. Whether you take a walk, bike or actively stretch, doing exercise of any kind can provide an energy boost for the remainder of your workday and keep you healthy.
This is important, as sitting for extended periods of time is associated with increased health risks, including:
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Slow metabolism
- Heart disease
- Cancer
Being active during your workday can also reduce stress levels. High stress rates can lead to impaired mental well-being, depression-like symptoms and high blood pressure—all of which negatively impact your overall health.
Performing just 30 minutes of activity five days a week could improve your health. To stay active in the workplace, consider the following tips:
- Stand up regularly.
- Re-engineer your work environment and, if possible, use things like standing workstations to incorporate more movement into your workday.
- Take an active lunch break instead of eating lunch at your workstation.
- Track your steps. Tracking your daily activity can be an excellent way to motivate yourself to stay active during long workdays.
- Take small stretch breaks at your desk to extend your spine and loosen tense muscles caused by prolonged sitting.
Next time you have a break in your day or you’re feeling a little tense, try getting up and getting active. Doing so can help improve your health now and into the future.