Activity is NEAT! I am a big believer in the health benefits of activity. Exercise is important, but this post is more about activity that is lower intensity than we normally consider exercise.
Lately, there has been much press about the dangers of sitting for hours at a time and the benefits of NEAT (Non- exercise activity thermogenesis). I am not a medical or fitness professional, these are just tips that I find helpful.
[tweetthis]Need tips to improve your activity? Try some of these 10 tips! #fitbit #wearabletech[/tweetthis]
Ten Tips For More Activity In Your Day!
1. Make a game of it:
Look for ways to sneak more movement into your day, this is a great creative exercise as well as a physical one. Find modest ways to reward yourself (more about that in a future post).
2. Stand if you can:
If you are standing, you are just more likely to move. Try standing during some of your daily activities you would normally be sitting such as reading, surfing the web, watching television. My kitchen counter is a perfect height for standing while using my laptop. Look around, you may have furniture or shelves that can double as a “standing desk”.
3. Move while you watch:
When watching television, get up and stretch or move around during television commercials. I’ve been known to practice the “Running Man” during commercials. Binge-watching Netflix? Give yourself a cue from the show and get up and move when you see the cue. Some examples of movement cues– every time there is a fight scene, a chase, a love scene, a main character says a common catch phrase, etc.
4. Talk and walk:
Move while talking on the phone. It is easy to “talk and walk” on a mobile phone. According to my Fitbit, I managed to cover 2 miles during a lengthy phone conversation with a certain well-known cable company. The extra movement was a consolation prize for having to spend 30 + minutes on the phone.
5. Take time to play:
While technically intentional exercise doesn’t count as “N.E.A.T.”, I found it helpful to have some fun, lightly active hobbies. In addition to practicing the “Running Man”, I’ve also been known to “hula hoop” while watching television. Other hobbies to try–juggle or learn to juggle, use a yo-yo, anything that gets you up and moving for a few minutes.
6. Dance like no one is watching:
Dance is an amazing workout and it is also a nice way to add a little more fun activity to your day. You can just play excellent music while you cook, work or clean and feel free to dance or “chair dance” when the music “moves” you. I know I naturally move more when I play upbeat music!
7. Go on a “Spring Cleaning” campaign:
Cleaning works whatever the season. One option is to choose a job on your “to do” list such as washing the windows of one room. Or if pressed for time, set a timer for 30 minutes (or however long you have) and pick a job or two and just see how much you can get done. I find setting a timer makes it more fun, and I work faster, which results in more vigorous beneficial activity.
8. Make it social:
Whenever possible include movement into your social life. Some ideas: take a walk after dinner, play pool or darts at the pub, go bowling, go dancing, engage in handicrafts (sitting and knitting while talking is more active just sitting and chatting).
9. Drink your water!
If like me, you have trouble getting yourself to drink 8 glasses of water a day–this tip will help. Please don’t go go to excess on this, I am referring to the commonly suggested 8 glasses of water in a day or something similar. Use a smaller glass or water bottle (about 8-16 ounces), go fill your bottle. Sip your water as you work. Refill a several times during the day. This will help in three ways:
- First, you are getting up to fill your bottle.
- Then you need to use the restroom more often, and will have another reason to get up and move.
- Finally, you are also well hydrated which is important for looking and feeling your best.
10. Keep track:
Consider using a pedometer or other activity tracker and strive to meet or exceed 10,000 steps a day. I use a Fitbit One and love it!
There are a lot of activity tracking options, so you very likely would be able to find one that suits your preferences and budget. But if not, that’s fine.
The important thing is the movement–your body knows the truth even if you have no way of tracking. Don’t worry if you can’t do 10,000 steps yet, after all, a journey of 10,000 steps starts with a single step! Start wherever you are and gradually build up.
Discussion Topic: I am always interested in learning more ways to add healthy activity to my day. Do you have any tips? If so, feel free to share them in the comments section below!
Other posts that may interest you:
- Review: Fitbit One
- How to Measure & Calibrate Your Fitbit Stride Settings
- How To Set Smart Goals For Your Activity Tracker
- How Your Fitbit Can Pay For Itself (This Applies to Other Activity Trackers As Well!)
Linked Up With:
Update: This is one of my first posts on Feeling Fit, I recently updated it as part of the From The Archives Friday! Be sure to visit to check out the other fabulous bloggers and their posts!
Jess Benoit4 months ago – Shared publicly
These are really great tips! I know I have to keep up with my water. I use a Big Gulp cup (64oz.) and fill that up. I know that if I have a lid & straw then I drink more…not sure why but if it works, go with it! Love the Move while you watch tip.
Akila Narayanan4 months ago – Shared publicly
I know how this is. I spend almost 90% of my day sitting infront of my computer. I do try to drink more than 3L of water & run around with my kid playing catch. I used to track my steps but fell off track.. Great post..
neha sultan4 months ago – Shared publicly
Great post. I find talk while you walk very helpful. I can basically talk for hours on phone so why not burn some calories with it. If I only do walk I get tired like in 20 minutes. I am on spring cleaning campaign right now finally snow has melted off in Chicago, after reading your post I think I need to make this more fun. Thanks for the great inputs!
Bernadyn Nettles (B)7 months ago – Shared publicly
These are so helpful since I spend the majority of my weekdays in the house and since I work from home, I’m always sitting at my desk. I’ve been having to set a timer on my phone or oven for me to get up, play with my little girl and even eat a meal lol! Thanks for these, sharing and pinning!
Joyce Duboise4 months ago – Shared publicly
GREAT and helpful tips! I love that these are unique tips that you cant read just anywhere. I am a big believer of making a game or an activity out of everything physical. This way it doesn’t feel like work. Thanks for sharing!
Jen Fuller4 months ago – Shared publicly
These are great tips and a much needed reminder for myself. I’m also going to have to check out your post about the Fitbit. I desperately want one if anyone wants to let my husband know, lol.
Stuffed Suitcase7 months ago – Shared publicly
I spend all day at my computer and have to remind myself to get up and move! Thanks for the great tips!