Hybrid or remote working comes with many benefits. Employees state that spending at least some days working from home makes them happier and healthier. However, working from home can be challenging when it comes to keeping active. The routine of heading into the office often provides more obvious opportunities for activity, such as walking to the station or bus stop, or fitting in a trip to the gym on the way home. Working from home takes away this routine and you might find yourself becoming more sedentary. However there are some easy ways to incorporate more movement into your days at home.
Get moving at your desk
You don’t even need to step away from the computer to get moving. Try some simple exercises at your desk such as shoulder rolls, calf raises or gentle head tilts to prevent your body becoming stiff during long periods sitting at your desk. Add a regular reminder in your phone to do some light stretches periodically throughout the day. Online workouts such as this five-minute chair yoga routine can be useful for finding exercises that work for you.
Update your office setup
Swapping to an adjustable desk that allows you to stand for periods of time is a great way to avoid long spells of inactivity. Standing improves circulation and burns more calories than sitting down. It can also improve your energy levels and mood.
You could even invest in some exercise equipment to take your desk exercise to the next level. A walking pad transforms your adjustable desk into a mini gym, allowing you to do your work while getting your recommended 10,000 steps a day. Walking pads are designed to take up the minimum amount of space and most can be folded away for convenience. One walking pad reviewer found she adapted quickly to using her walking pad and was soon clocking up tens of thousands of steps a day without realising. However, the walking pad won’t be suitable for everyone. A mini stepper provides a low-impact option for those who might find standing for long periods difficult. It’s an easy way to add more movement to periods of sitting down, without taking up too much space.
Make time for a walk
Walking is the cheapest way to get active and is suitable exercise for most people. Use your lunch hour to get outdoors and get your legs moving by taking a walk in your neighbourhood. Not everyone lives near green space but even walking to your local shop can provide some much needed movement and provide a boost to your mood.
Sign up for a class after work or join a class online
After a day working from home you might find it difficult to muster the motivation to get out to the gym. Signing up for a regular class can help you to make exercise a part of your hybrid working routine. Exercise classes are also an opportunity to socialise for home workers who might spend the day by themselves.
Classes or gym memberships can be expensive. Online classes are a cheaper option but can still be woven into a regular routine. Online classes might also offer more flexibility to change up the types of classes you take.
Make movement a priority
Keeping moving during your days working from home is important for your health and mental wellbeing, so make movement a priority. Add an alert to your phone or add regular breaks to your work calendar to set aside time for stretching, exercise or a walk.
The Hattie 