In 2022, 26 percent of U.S. employees now work remotely with that number increasing. As such, you are sitting down a lot more, moving about less when you work from home, and your lifestyle is much more sedentary.
So how do you stay fit and healthy while sitting at a desk all day? It can be very easy to gain weight in an environment where you’re expected to sit still anywhere for eight to nine hours a day.
What can you easily do to improve your at-home working environment?
- Take mini breaks
- Alternate between sitting and standing
- Go for a walk
Physical activity, such as walking, is important for weight control because it helps you burn calories. Thirty minutes of brisk walking can burn about 150 calories per day. Studies show that a daily brisk walk can help lower blood pressure, reduce belly fat, increase energy levels, and improve mood.
You don’t even have to walk fast to get benefits. Research has shown that just taking a stroll at a comfortable pace promotes relaxation. Walking promotes the release of endorphins, the brain chemicals that stimulate relaxation.
Making walking a daily habit is the best way to keep up your 10,000 steps or whatever your personal step goal happens to be. You don’t even need to walk 10,000 steps, which is the equivalent of about 5 miles, to reap the benefits of walking. If you can’t get outside to walk, do so inside, climb stairs or use a treadmill, do household chores, like vacuuming, or have some fun and dance to your favorite music.
In any case, get in the habit of walking and/or moving. If you can’t manage 30 minutes of walking a day, remember that ‘even a little is good, but more is better’. The right walking and/or moving routine can keep your body healthy and your mind sharp.
