There is no disputing the fact that we are living fast paced existences however at some point we have to make ourselves a priority. For many of us this realization comes after we have hit a physical wall and have begun to experience health problems. In practice we tend to be reactive instead of proactive.
It is never too late to start and a little is better then nothing. No matter what your situation or day to day routine there are always opportunities to add physical activity into your life. The goal is not for you to come out looking like a body builder or marathon runner but to impact over all health. Most professionals are in agreement that adding small sessions or making small shifts in your routine will lead to greatly improved health.
Whether you are sitting at a desk all day or running around after kids there are ways to incorporate movement. It is recommended that you walk around 5000 steps per day; this does not have to be all at once. By wearing a pedometer and small a conscience decision you can quickly add up the steps. If you work and drive to work park a little further away from the front door of your building, take the stairs whenever possible, and use your breaks throughout the day as an opportunity to get moving.
In most cases we get a couple of breaks throughout the day, make the decision to not go sit in the break room or lounge but instead go for a walk around the block or walk to the restaurant you plan on eating at. The excuse for many is that they are just too tired or do not have the time. If you have the time to sit and have a coffee you also have the time to walk around the block or down the street with a bottle of water. These are all choices; the interesting thing to remember is a simple walk will give you much more long term energy and alertness then a shot of java.
For stay at home moms, engage in activities that are beneficial for both you and the kids. Spend ten or fifteen minutes dancing, play tag, skip rope, play hopscotch, get on the trampoline with them, or chase a ball. Instead of watching the kids or trying to multitask get involved in just one game a day. Nobody can play a game with kids and not end up laughing and having fun. Make yourself a play date.
Another option for stay at home parents is exercise videos; they are great because your kids (even the three year old) will have fun trying to participate. If you do not take it too seriously and make it into a game everyone can benefit and have a good laugh. Not only will the kids feel great but so will you. As you engage more and more with physical activities you will find you have much more energy.
When you engage in physical activities even if it is for ten minutes on a work break you allow your mind and body a chance to reenergize. You will be much more alert throughout the day, have more patience and be much better equipped to deal with stress. The benefits of physical activity are not just about bigger muscles and slimmer waist, they are about overall health.
When you move through out the day you are less likely to be over whelmed by stress, at the end of the day you will fall asleep faster and you will sleep more soundly through the night which in turn leads to more energy the next day. This is a continuous cycle of endless benefits.
Another interesting thing about physical activity and your mind is as you make the effort to move more you automatically make other changes that you are not even aware of. For instance when individuals exercise they will automatically be more conscience of what they eat. This is not the same as dieting it is more subtle but at the same time has huge health benefits. As well once you make the choice to implement one or two small changes to your activity level you will effortlessly make others changes as this becomes your new lifestyle.
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