If you’re like the average American, you have a half hour commute to work, then get to the office and spend eight hours at a desk. From there you spend another thirty minutes in the car to get home before spending somewhere between three and four hours in front of the TV. Using this model along with seven hours of nightly sleep, it’s safe to say the majority of us grossly under-use our bodies. And then we wonder why we’re tired all the time!<\/p>\n
Contrary to popular belief, lethargy and even inactivity contribute to the blahs as much – if not more than – over exertion. When we get the blood flowing in our bodies, we feel better. Like almost anything else you can think of, our bodies decay when they go unused! Creativity gets zapped and ability to focus goes out the window. That’s when the blues set in.<\/p>\n
But you don’t have to be a victim of your circumstances! With very little change, you can increase your energy and improve your overall flow. Here’s how:<\/p>\n
It just takes a minute – or 30! Increase your activity<\/strong> Second, every few hours – or when you feel a block – get up and move around the office. Whether it’s a walk to the kitchen, a trip downstairs for a quick breath, or even standing at your desk for a mini stretch, you’re bound to increase your energy. Body + Soul<\/em> recommends standing when you take your phone calls. If that’s not possible (say, if you’re the front of the office receptionist), be sure to take advantage of all your breaks.<\/p>\n Keep moving<\/strong> If you want to take it even further, rather than simply sitting at the midday, why not take half of that time and hit the road on foot? Make your lunch break a walk break and you’ll come back with a clear head – and the hunger to have really merited that sandwich!<\/p>\n In or out of the office, whatever you do, make it more mobile. Even the smallest changes will increase the calories you burn and enhance the way you feel,<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/strong>You can’t just quit your job and give over to a life of leisure and exercise (which isn’t such a bad thing if it’s framed correctly but we all need the sense of accomplishment our work provides). Well luckily, you don’t have to quit your job to get in better shape. The changes you need to see results can be incorporated into a simple work day. And they don’t need to involve a gym, a bike or even sweating! While regular exercise enhances anyone’s well being, just 30 minutes of increased activity<\/em> will make a difference according to the experts. How to do that you wonder? Just start small.<\/p>\n
First, try taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Of course if you work on the tenth floor it’s a little different than if your office is on the third or fourth. But even if you walk as far as you can and hop on the elevator at a higher point, you’re getting some benefit.<\/p>\n
Along those same lines, if you’re checking voicemail or on the cell phone at any point in the day, move around – even if it’s walking back and forth. You’ll increase your energy and stamina for work once you sit down. You’ll be amazed at what a little blood flow can do for your brain power!<\/p>\n