Ways to move more during the COVID-19 work day

So many of us are stuck at home with a new work routine.

It has forced us to make changes as we work from home. Many of us are sitting in chairs and staring at a computer screen for hours. Zoom meetings have become the norm. It has become all too easy to only get our exercise going from one chair to another and walking to and from the refrigerator. Movement has taken a back seat. There are ways to accept the current situation and still keep your health in mind.

Here are some strategies to keep you moving.

Stand up as much as you can, whenever you can. Make sure your office is as spread out as possible. Keep the printer a few feet away from your computer. Move the file cabinet to the opposite corner of the room. Use your office layout to force movement. It may not be as efficient, but it will keep you from sitting for prolonged periods of time and will help create repetitive steps. These steps add up over an 8 hour work day.

Take a walking break ever hour. Make sure to get up and walk the house, walk up and down the stairs a few times. Take short exercise breaks at intervals. Stand-ups, squats, arm rolls, and push-ups are a few exercises you could try at your desk. Keep a set of weights near you for a quick office workout. Do bicep curls or triceps kickbacks while you talk on the phone. Walk while you answer your cell phone or when you are having a conversation.

Set up a virtual walking meeting with your office coworkers. This not only burns calories, but it also boosts mental clarity, creativity, mood, and energy levels, all while conducting a productive meeting. Try these tips to help you get a few steps in your day. Your body will thank you.

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