Eight ways to get active during the day

Incorporating physical activity during the day builds a healthy mind and body. Being active while at work, whether working from home or back in your workplace, can help: 

• manage stress, 
• reduce back pain, 
• avoid feeling sluggish, 
• promote positive thoughts, 
• reduce sick leave, 
• increase your productivity, especially if you exercise during your lunch break, 
• clear your head, and 
• maintain a healthy weight range. 

Here are some ways to get active during the day:

1. Start a 10,000-step team challenge. 
2. Form a virtual walking or running club with your team and track your progress.
3. Organize walking meetings or brainstorming sessions. 
4. Explore your options for using a standing desk – you may find an improvement in your posture and circulation. 
5. Sit on an exercise ball – this allows for ‘active sitting’ where you engage your core helping maintain good posture. 
6. Stand up and do some basic strength and balance exercises, such as squats, calf raises, desk push-ups, tricep dips or tree pose. 
7. Schedule physical activity time in your calendar and take fitness breaks – try an online yoga class or go for a run. 
8. Consider your commute to work – walk or bike to work if you can. If you catch the bus or train get off a few stops earlier and walk the rest of the way.