This post addresses getting enough exercise.
With the changing of the seasons, we all find ourselves spending more and more time inside. It’s not as easy to take an exercise break during the day when the weather is inclement. We find ourselves caught up in the momentum of the work day without taking any time to exercise and then wonder why we get sick or feel tired all the time. It’s important that we add some physical exercise into our daily routine to keep us healthy and alert.
Try signing up at a health club and setting the same time each week to go and workout. Maybe it’s easier to invest in exercise equipment for your home and you get up a little earlier to work out before you come to the office. Maybe it’s as simple as wearing warmer clothes so you can take a walk around the building or your home once a day. Ask a team member or family member if they’d like to walk with you…. it’s a nice way to take a break and connect with someone. Sign up on-line for any type of class you desire. There are hundreds of sites and videos on you-tube that offer you exercise instructions. I found one that is free named “Shibasi”. It’s a form of qigong and tai chi. It only takes about 10 minutes to complete and always makes me feel better once I’ve done it.
Now that most of us work from home at least part of the time, we often find ourselves seated at our desks for hours without a break. Getting up and stretching or walking into the kitchen to make a cup of tea is often just enough to get us up and out of the chair. This is incredibly important. Our bodies thrive on movement and staying stationary for too long can be harmful. I often find that I get into a momentum and forget to get out of my chair. Setting an alarm on my phone that alerts me every 20 minutes is a good reminder.
We often go to work in the dark and come home in the dark. Since we don’t have the luxury of being able to hibernate, try keeping more light around you during these days. Plenty of studies show us that light is essential to our well being. We know that when we don’t have enough of it, we are prone to depression. Add a few extra candles into your home environment, the light and warmth they render is well worth the small cost. Make sure you have enough lights on in your work environment. Try wearing brighter colors from time to time, you’ll find the added color will make you feel better.
Each of us is responsible for making sure our bodies and minds are in good shape. Be creative about how you’ll add more exercise and light into these winter months. You’ll feel better all the way around.
Kathleen