According to experts the single greatest mistake people make when trying to change their lifestyle is to do too much at once. Hitting the gym five nights a week is sure to have only one effect – short term success, followed by burn out, and loss of interest where upon you lapse back into bad habits. While taking up a new physical exercise or hobby is the ideal way to stay fit, you’d be amazed at the ways you can make a BIG difference to your health by making some small changes to your working day.

We live in an age of sedentary work. Being tied to the desk for eight hours a day is sure to waste your muscle tone and leave you feeling deflated and demotivated so it’s harder to get to the gym at all, comfort food rears its ugly head. Swide has some 10 ways you can get more active and be healthier by making some simple changes. They won’t revolutionise your health but when you add them up you will feel the difference.

Take a different route to the office

Habit is the enemy of energy. Take a different route to the office every week. You’ll burn calories and engage the mind before you get to work. Get to your desk with a new perspective. If you have to drive, take a different route. If you can cycle or walk some of the way all the better. Use public transport as much as possible.

Always stand on public transport

If you have to take a bus stand in the aisle rather than sitting down. Concentrate on your core muscles and use them to keep your balance, hold the handrail lightly so that you’re not supporting you body weight with it.

 

Take a break for 15 minutes every 45 minutes

Studies have shown that in order to work at maximum efficiency you need to take a break for 15 minutes every 45 minutes. Use these 15 minutes to move around, go on an errand, go and see some one, spread the love around the office a bit! Even better if you can go outside and get some fresh air, walk brusquely around the block.

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated is the most important factor for your health, so drink as much as you can. You will flush out toxins from your system, improve you skin, hair and eyes and improve your overall condition.

 

Take lunch on the go

Lunch should be something healthy, but instead of eating at your desk or going to the canteen, take you lunch to the park or other outdoor location. It doesn’t matter where, walk for 15 minutes, sit down and eat and walk back for 15 minutes.

Run the stairs

Never ever take the elevator. The elevator is the enemy. Take the stairs and take them at a run for a good sharp burst of cardio.

Use a hand gripper

A great way to exercise and strengthen your hands and tone your fore arms is to use a hand gripper throughout the day. You would be surprised how quickly your hands get weak but also how cool it is when you get back you ‘claw grip of death’ again. Plus a well toned fore arm looks great with your arms folded.

 

Eat a big breakfast

Skipping breakfast is the worst thing you can do. Breakfast kick starts you metabolism for the day, meaning you burn more calories and you’re less likely to binge during the day if you’ve had a good breakfast. If you feel like skipping a meal better in the evening, supper of dinner. SO get up a bit earlier and sit down and have a proper breakfast, get the family involved, it’s a great way to spend time with the family before you all go your separate ways for the day.

Go shopping

Shopping actually burns as many calories as a light run. So even when you don’t need anything or your credit card is maxed-out, get out in the shops, try things on…There’s a reason we say ‘shop till you drop’ because it really is physically exhausting. Just be careful with that credit card!

 

Get a good night’s sleep

Shakespeare wrote: ‘Sleep that knits up the ravelled sleeve of care. The death of each day's life, sore labour's bath Balm of hurt minds, great nature's second course, Chief nourisher in life's feast.’A good nights sleep will set you up for the day ahead. Forget about pointless late nights, get to bed early and get up earlier. The single biggest cause of stress in adults is lack of sleep. We need at least eight hours sleep every night to stay healthy, any less will have negative effects. Remember that one hour’s sleep before midnight is worth two hours after. A good night’s sleep can

By Hugo Mc Cafferty