I sit at a desk for about fifty hours per week in a 12′ x 15′ cell office. I know it’s bad for me, but it’s my job, and there isn’t a heck of a lot I can do about it right now.
Inactivity is bad for you. That is common sense. However, many studies have shown that inactivity is bad for you even if you exercise. That is a little more surprising. However, there are little things I do to try and combat my sedentary lifestyle.
1) Take the Stairs
Sure, the stairs in my building are terrifying… but so are the elevators. My office is on the fifth floor and I can usually manage to make three or four round trips every day. I try and spread them out a little bit and I find that it definitely helps.
2) Get Up and Move Around
Most of the studies have shown that you don’t need to do much to receive a significant benefit. There isn’t a consensus on why that is – but it’s probably related to glucose, insulin, metabolic changes, mitochondria and boogers. Just kidding. It has nothing to do with boogers.
3) Go For Walks
I am able to take short breaks at my job and I almost always go for a walk. This can be quite enjoyable in the summer.
Summer in Syracuse
It is slightly less fun in winter.
Winter in Syracuse
Now, I’m not from here originally. But the people here are “tough” – they don’t want to hear you complaining about the cold and snow. If you ever visit here, don’t whine or bring it up in conversation.
4) Run!
Of course, last but not least, I run! I’m not a run streaker, but I run year-round. Sure, it sucks when it’s 0 degrees (a.k.a. -18C). However, I think it makes the 70-degree days that much better!
Any other office dwellers? What do you do to keep moving?
