Working From Home - Do I Need To Exercise?
You may find yourself living more sedentary lives now that you are working from home full time. As commuting is no longer necessary for many, your daily steps may have drastically reduced and it is more important than ever to engage in physical activity. Exercising boosts the immune system and contributes to mental health which can increase productivity both at work and at home.
How much exercise do I need?
To maintain both your physical and mental health, exercising between two to three hours (at the very least) each week is recommended.
As many of you may be seated at desks for long periods of time during the day while working from home, it is also important to remember stretching. Stretching exercises while seated at your desk reduces muscle tension and stiffness as well as potential injuries.
How To Start
While stretching is important, you should also set goals and complete daily steps. The average person takes about 3000 - 4000 steps each day and working from home means that everyone is likely falling well below daily averages.
Although personal averages may differ between individuals, it is a good idea to track your average number of steps. In doing so, you will be able to increase your daily step count without overexerting yourself.
Walking regularly can help reduce the risk of many ailments such as obesity, hypertension and depression to name a few.
If you are trying to increase your number of daily steps, here are some things you can do:
If you have a pet, take them out for walks more than just once a day.
Instead of ordering take out, walk to your favorite restaurant to pick up food instead.
Always take the stairs.
When going to areas within your neighbourhood that are nearby, walk instead.
Remember to set goals for yourself and work towards meeting those goals. It is important to stay fit and active while working from home to boost mental health and to prevent diseases.
Please consult with your doctor if you have concerns about the type and amount of daily exercise you should be getting.