In order to stay healthy and happy, we all know we should follow a lifestyle that includes a well-balanced diet and exercise. We already know how beneficial physical activity is for our health, but the problem occurs when people believe their busy schedule doesn’t allow them to work out. Luckily, it’s possible to get exercise into your life. All you have to do is get smart about how you find time.
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1. Turn your commute into a workout
On days when you’re super busy, you can still sneak exercise into your commute. For example, you can ride your bike to work or jog (unless you work in a different town or on the other side of your town). If driving to work, you can park farther away than you usually do, and walk to work. Use the steps instead of the elevator.
2. Change your diet
Diet and physical activity go hand in hand, and it’s impossible to have one without the other. Exercising regularly and being more active also call for some adjustments to your dietary pattern. There’s no one-size-fits-all rule, but the best diet plan always includes the exclusion of foods with low or no nutritional value and an increased intake of healthy, nutrient-dense items.
It’s always better to cook your lunches and dinners for yourself instead of ordering take out or eating out because you’re more likely to eat healthier. However, when you’re busy, the last thing you want is to spend too much time in the kitchen. You should try meal prepping and freezing meals, or you can find some super delicious yet healthy and easy-to-make recipes online.
3. Set your alarm early
Can’t fit your exercise later in the day? Then why don’t you try exercising before you go to work? Exercising early in the morning means you get to cross your workout off your to-do list. Plus, workouts boost your energy levels, thus making you more productive throughout the day. Does this mean you should sleep less? No, of course not! Sleep is very important for your overall health and well-being, and you should establish a regular sleep pattern. Try going to bed an hour earlier than usual so you can wake up earlier as well.
4. Sneak in a workout during your lunch break
If you don’t want to wake up an hour earlier to work out because you barely get some reasonable amount of sleep as it is, that’s not a problem. You can use your 60-minute lunch break to hit the nearby gym, go for a walk or pretty much do anything else that doesn’t include sitting. Is there a park nearby? You can jog, or simply take a walk with your friends. There are many things you can do during that hour and still manage to eat and catch up your friends. So on your lunch break tomorrow, get up and move!
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5. Walk
If your activity level is low, you can start the easiest way possible: walking. Start with the brisk walk for 10 minutes, and gradually increase the time as you get used to it. You can also get a pedometer to count your steps, or download a walking app onto your smartphone. Ideally, you should aim for 10,000 steps or more a day.
6. Care for your joints
Healthy joints are necessary for flexibility and mobility. Unfortunately, most of us don’t pay attention to joint or cartilage until it’s too late. To avoid decreased mobility and troubles walking, you should get a supplement that delivers a variety of nutrients your joints need. There are numerous supplements nowadays, and you just have to choose the one that is right for you. When buying these products, always make sure they’re manufactured by a reliable company, read the list of ingredients and look for experiences of other users.
7. Exercise at work
Did you know you can get your daily dose of exercise at work? It’s possible! There are many exercises you can do in your office, cubicle and behind your desk, and you can also use the perks of stairs in the office building as well.
8. Exercise while watching TV
Just because you’re catching up with the latest developments in Game of Thrones doesn’t mean you should turn into a couch potato when you’re home from work. You can do squats, lunges and many other exercises while watching your favorite show at the same time.
9. Write a list
Write a list that includes everything you’d like to do in your free time. Once you’re done, number each activity regarding how important it is to you (i.e. prioritize them). In the end, you’ll have a detailed insight into activities that you value the most. Make sure exercising is always in top three activities.
If you’ve ever wanted to exercise but thought you were too busy, this article showed you smart ways you can sneak in more activity into your lifestyle. Getting more exercise is all about being wise and making smart choices, such as exercising at work, using stairs, walking, etc. Your activity at work will also inspire other co-workers who’ll want to do the same.
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