Ways to Work in Walking

Gina BrehmerHappy & Healthy

If you are like everyone I know, your days are packed full of to-do lists. Squeezing time in to exercise on an already demanding schedule might be the last thing on your mind. Amazingly, it is simple to fit exercise into your day without going the extra mile. How you ask? By walking while you work, of course!

Try these simple and effective ways to get at least 30 minutes of walking into your daily routine.

  1. Walk to work. If your job is reasonably close to where you live, consider walking there.
  2. Park in the north forty. If you drive to work, park your car as far away as possible from the entrance to get in those few extra steps.
  3. Skip a stop. If you take public transportation, try getting off at an earlier or later stop and walking the remainder of the way.
  4. Schedule walking meetings. Meet up at a local park with walking trails. The public place creates a neutral setting for a free exchange of ideas. Walking and talking is a great way to be productive and get exercise at the same time.
  5. Take the stairs. If your workplace is not on the ground floor, walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator.
  6. Work up an appetite for lunch. Consider walking to the restaurant to get your lunch instead of driving or ordering in.
  7. Stretch your legs. Take an activity break—walk to a coworker’s office instead of sending them an e-mail.
  8. Walk & Talk. If it will not disturb others, get up and walk around your office while on a phone call. Your voice will project more clearly and confidently than when sitting down.
  9. Afternoon perk-up. Instead of a coffee break, take a 10-minute walk break to beat the afternoon slump.Walk around your office building, or, walk up and down the stairs a few times to get your heart rate going. Who needs caffeine when you can have natural energy?!
  10. Wind down after dinner. Walking around the neighborhood after dinner is a refreshing way to unwind plus it will help you get a better night’s sleep.

With minimal effort and a little get up and go attitude, incorporating extra walking into your daily routine couldn’t be easier. Just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, will help de-stress and energize you. So don’t think of exercise as yet another to-do item in your already busy schedule. Instead, think of it as a refreshing way to get new perspectives and interact with people, while taking care of your mind and heart.