It’s no secret that our generation is turning into couch potatoes, spending time sitting all day in front of our laptops and computers. Living a sedentary lifestyle is like depriving your body of it’s favourite method of keeping healthy. Since your body cannot get rid of the excess energy it will store it as fat. This can clog your arteries, lead to high blood pressure, and cause an immeasurable number of health hazards.

Research has found that being sedentary, including sitting for longer than four hours per day, greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (perhaps even more than smoking!) and diabetes.

Run slowly everyday

A recent study found that running for as little as five to 10 minutes per day at slow speeds (less than six miles per hour) was associated with significantly reduced risks of death from all causes and from cardiovascular disease.

Walk with every opportunity

Ditch the elevator, climb stairs, walk or cycle to work, and if possible park your car few blocks away from your office which will give you a chance to walk. If you are pressed for time to exercise daily this will definitely give you the chance to get your heart pumping and burn calories.

Get on your dancing shoes

Dancing is an extremely invigorating way of working out and beating the stress. You don’t need to be a master of every step like a professional, just swaying your hips, moving your hands to the beats is just enough to do the trick.

Walk when you answer calls

Whenever you receive a call, make a conscious effort to pace up and down or walk around the house while you are on it. ‘Motion also creates better emotion’, so you may even become a better speaker by doing this.

Stand up, stretch, change posture

It’s unhealthy to maintain a single posture more than 30 min. Whenever you feel drowsy or your muscles stiffen, it’s a sign that you should stand up, stretch and change posture.

Mental escape

Don’t be afraid to take a 10 minute mental escape daily. Yes, we said active and purposeful daydreaming. Think of and dream of a place, time, or situation that evokes the emotions of joy, peace, laughter, and happiness.

Take frequent breaks

Take frequent breaks throughout the course of your day as allowed by your workplace. While you take these breaks, whenever possible, be outside. Enjoy the fresh air, take in the sights, and engage with nature. This will not only energize your mind, de-stress your mind and body but also give you a boost.

Implementing small changes is easy and has the potential for great results. Incorporating small exercises is known to increase blood flow, metabolism, and caloric burn while improving focus, energy and productivity.