She Strengthens

Staying Active at Home: A Guide to Boosting Your Physical and Mental Health

The Importance of Staying Active

With the rise of remote work and social distancing, it’s easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle. But staying active is crucial for both physical and mental health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, which can be broken down into 30 minutes of exercise per day over five days.

Benefits of Regular Physical Activity

Regular physical activity can bring numerous benefits, including:

• Improving brain health
• Maintaining or losing weight
• Strengthening muscles
• Boosting the immune system

Ways to Stay Active at Home

1. Take a Walk: Walking is a great way to get your body moving, whether it’s around the house or outside. Aim for 10,000 steps per day.
2. Get a Dog: Having a dog can help keep you active, as they require regular exercise and playtime.
3. Clean with a Purpose: Cleaning can be a great way to get moving, especially if you put on some upbeat music and really get into it.
4. Cook Up a Storm: Cooking can be a fun way to get moving, especially if you’re making a complex meal. Try incorporating some dance moves into your cooking routine.
5. Dance It Out: Dancing is a great way to get your heart rate up and have fun while doing it. Put on your favorite playlist and get moving.
6. Make the Most of TV Time: Instead of sitting on the couch during TV time, try doing some light exercises or stretching.
7. Get Moving with a Podcast: Listening to a podcast or audiobook can be a great way to stay active, especially if you’re doing some light exercises or stretching while you listen.
8. Resistance Exercises: Resistance bands are a great way to stay active at home, and they’re easy to use.
9. Sneak in Some Cardio: There are plenty of at-home aerobic workouts that can help you get your heart rate up and stay active.
10. Pilates and Yoga: Both Pilates and yoga are great ways to stay active at home, and they can help improve your posture, flexibility, and balance.

Staying Active While Working from Home

1. Walk During Calls: Take advantage of conference calls to get up and move around.
2. Stand Up: Try standing at your desk instead of sitting, which can help combat poor posture and back pain.
3. Fidget Away: Fidgeting can be a great way to stay active while working from home.
4. Lunch and Lunge: Make lunchtime a time to get moving, whether it’s doing some squats or lunges between bites.
5. Set Reminders: Set reminders on your phone to get up and move around throughout the day.
6. Mini Pedal Machines: Consider investing in a mini pedal machine that can fit under your desk.
7. Exercise Ball Chairs: Exercise ball chairs can be a great way to stay active while sitting.

Signs You’re Not Moving Enough

• Back, shoulder, or leg pain
• Fatigue
• Increased stress
• Trouble sleeping
• Digestive issues

Takeaway

Staying active at home is crucial for both physical and mental health. By incorporating physical activities into your daily routine, you can combat the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle and improve your overall well-being.