I’ve been self-employed and working from home for the last 10 years. I love my job as it fits in perfectly around my children, their school routines, household chores and my husband’s job too. I can pick my own working hours and decide the jobs that I want to do.
Working from home does have a few disadvantages though and one of those is not getting enough exercise into my daily routine. I try to complete a workout 5 mornings a week before I sit down to my desk but that doesn’t always happen and although I do stop working to carry out chores, I do end up sat in the same spot for longer than I should.
This year I intend to get out of this habit and if you’re like me and spend more time sat down than moving here are some of the things you can do to get moving more on a daily basis.
Change your desk
Sitting at a desk or on the sofa with your laptop for too long isn’t good for anyone. It’s not only bad for your posture if you’re not sitting correctly but it’s also bad for your circulation. Why not change your desk to a standing one so that whilst you’re working you can get your recommended 10000 daily steps in.
If this type of desk isn’t for you why not consider a Cycle Desk instead or as well as a standing desk. You can sit down to a desk but keep yourself moving via the exercise bike. You can always use the exercise bike at your usual desk too if you’d prefer. The desk cycle has a handy cup holder, space saving pedals, lockable casters, an adjustable seat and table for comfort and a small dashboard that counts your calories, the time you’ve spent cycling and the distance you’ve travelled. It has 8 levels of resistance to suit all. If this is something you’re considering why not take advantage of FlexiSpot’s Say Goodbye to a Sedentary Life Sale from 11th Feb. to 28th Feb to grab your cycle at a great price.
Take regular breaks
It sounds simple but make sure to take regular breaks whilst working. If you’re not very good at doing this without prompting set an alarm every hour or two. Make a cup of tea, go to the toilet or even just have a walk up and down the stairs to ensure you’re keeping your blood circulating in your legs.
Make time for exercise
As I said before I try to work out first thing in the morning. But if this doesn’t work for you could do a workout during your dinner hour or in an evening. Instead of sitting watching the TV whilst eating your lunch why not take a sandwich and go for a light walk instead. This will not only up your steps intake but it will also mean you get fresh air too and a good walk will make you more productive in the afternoon as a brisk walk can help to clear your mind.
Are you planning to get healthier whilst working from home? If so, I’d love to hear what you’ve changed or what you’re planning to change in the comments below.