Finding the Time for Workplace Exercise, Relieve Some Stress

I don't know about you, but sometimes the long hours seated before a computer screen can be grueling.  The eyes tear up, my back begins to ache and my poor legs feel numb at times.  So I have to remind myself to get up and move around.

When does one find the time to exercise?

I started taking advantage of the walk ways around the buildings at work earlier this year--a good way to get some workplace exercises in (stretching, power-walking, etc.)  This helped immensely--less aches, brain fog, mood swings, and more! Then I looked for other opportunities to walk after work as well around my apartment complex.  I saw that some women were thinking like me too except they were staying late after work dressing up in workout apparel and speed walking like doing many laps around the buildings before taking the long drive home.

Too much sitting causes so many work-related health problems then throw in the electrical devices (sigh).  From headaches to leg pain, if one doesn't do more to take care of the body, he or she will end up missing work days.  I saw a lot of that on my job--employees calling-off for a variety of things including back pain.

Scheduling your workout days on your calendar, like you do meetings, will start to get your mind to adjust to the idea that this is needed change to improve you!  Posting a positive quote or image related to working out will also help.  Taking a look at some of those co-workers who are already disciplined, look healthy, and enjoy their workouts are also good ways to motivate you as well.

As much as we might like or love getting that paycheck, it isn't worth spending a good amount on medical bills because we simply ignored our bodily needs.  I must admit that when I take time to listen to my body, I feel less stressed too!  So here's to a new you in the coming year!  Feel free to come back and share your accomplishments here!

Nicholl McGuire
Blog Owner and Author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet?

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How To Keep Fit In The Workplace

You can participate in exercises at work to help yourself. Some exercises you can do while working are: Ankle rotation, back stretches, and tightening and relaxing the abdominal muscles.

1. A Foundation for Fitness

You can contribute to your fitness by using a healthy diet and exercise plan. You do not have to start a fad, crash diet or spend hours daily at the gym. To stay fit, cut fatty foods and high sugar foods from your diet, snack on greens and fruits and take long walks every few days. Many people can maintain a healthy body by eating salad for lunch and taking a refreshing jog every other day.

2. Prevent Obesity

Anybody can become obese by for example neglecting themselves. Financial concerns usually takes priority over physical fitness. If you often find yourself pressed for time because of a large project or a looming deadline, there are a few simple exercises you can do right in your cubicle to keep your muscles flexible and your joints strong.

3. What You Should Do

Rotate your ankles to help blood circulation and to loosen muscles and joints. Stretch your back often to help prevent achy back problems. Tighten and relax your abdominal muscles to give your tummy some workout. You can do this in many places because they're discreetly tightening and relaxing muscles.

4. Work Exercises

Abs: Sit on the edge of chair, arms extending in front. Keeping back straight, contract the abs and slowly lower torso towards back of chair. Hold 2-3 seconds and repeat.

Curls: Cross arms over chest and sit up straight. Contract abs and curl shoulder towards hips, pulling abs in. Hold for 2 seconds and repeat.

Standing Hip Flexion: Stand with abs in, spine straight. Lift leg up until level with hip. Hold for 2 seconds, repeat other side.

Leg Lift: In same starting position as above, lift left leg straight out to the side a few inches off the floor. Hold for 2 seconds, repeat on the other side.

Leah Gorecki

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