Many people dream of working from home, but you may not realize that people who work from home face a few challenges.
For me, the two biggest challenges are being inactive and little human interaction. Unfortunately, today I can’t talk about how to socialize when working from home (I’m still trying to figure that out), but I will share some strategies to help you stay active and walk more steps every day.
If you’ve been tracking your steps, you know that it’s hard to walk 10,000 steps when working from home. I average about 6,000 steps a day, but I usually hit 10,000 steps a day once or twice a week.
HOW TO WALK MORE WHEN WORKING FROM HOME
These are some of the strategies that have helped me and others walk more steps when working from home.
1. Get a pedometer.
How will you know the number of steps you walk in a day if you don’t track them? Get a pedometer or download an app that tracks steps.
Once you get a pedometer, track your steps for two to three days before setting a goal. When you’ve found your daily average steps, set a goal to walk an extra 1,000 steps a day. This is more doable than aiming at 10,000 steps, if you’re starting at something like 3,000 steps.
Gradually increase your steps until you reach 10,000 steps or whichever goal you choose.
2. Allocate time for walks.
You can’t walk 5,000 steps moving around the house. You need to go for a short walk outside every day. Go for a walk during your lunch break or in the evening, and walk for 20 to 30 minutes.
Set reminders, if you find yourself forgetting the short walks.
3. Join local social groups.
Social groups will help you kill two birds with one stone. You’ll get to socialize and walk more steps. Some groups engage in competitive activities, which can help you reach 10,000 steps easily. Even better, join a walking club.
4. Walk up and down the stairs.
Take advantage of the stairs, if you live in an apartment building. Walk up and down the stairs for 10 to 20 minutes every day.
The stairs will actually help tone your leg and butt muscles. Use these tricks to burn more calories while walking on the stairs.
5. Dress for success.
It’s time to switch things up, if you usually work in your pajamas.
Dressing well while at home will make it easier to go outside. If you’re not dressed well (or at least dressed in leaving-the-house clothes), you may not want to get out.
6. Get a treadmill.
A treadmill can be handy during the days you feel lazy, the weather is bad or you just plain want to stay indoors the entire day.
Now, you don’t have to buy a new treadmill. You can find a used one for less than $100. If you do invest in a treadmill, you can use these tricks to make your treadmill workouts more rewarding.
7. March in place while watching TV.
Instead of lying on the couch while watching TV, stand up and march in place. This is a great way to increase your steps and reduce the likelihood of snacking on junk at the same time.
SOURCE: https://www.care2.com/greenliving/ways-to-walk-more-working-from-home.html
