Being active on a daily basis is an essential step for a balanced and successful self-care routine. 

Having a consistent practice where you move your body regularly is essential to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. It impacts your general well-being, reduces stress, helps you feel good by boosting your endorphins and dopamine, and improves cognitive function.

Being active on a daily basis has been linked with:

• reduced stress and anxiety 
• boosted mood
• strengthened heart
• stronger muscles and bones 
• increased memory
• improved quality sleep
• improved mobility 
• lower body fat percentage

It is recommended you get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity per day or 150 minutes per week, but achieving this can appear like a daunting task, especially during a busy work day. You don’t necessarily have the time to sneak a visit to the gym or a full workout session. However, there are easy and practical ways to get your daily 30 minutes of activity – with just 5 or 10 minutes here and there, you’ll reach your activity quota without too much trouble. 

Also, I’d recommend not being too hell-bent on the 30-minute mark, but take it more as a general guideline that gives you an idea of what to aim for. You don’t have to be too strict with it. Instead, allow yourself to go with what feels good and right each day. On some, you’ll do more, and on others, you’ll do less, and that’s perfectly okay. Always remember to listen to yourself first.

The whole point is just to move your body and be active. 

So let’s see how you can easily incorporate exercise to your daily routine.

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5 practical steps to add exercise into your daily life 

1.Take the stairs instead of the elevator

Taking the stairs instead of the elevator is an excellent way to incorporate activity into your daily life. It is a simple and practical habit that doesn’t require much effort, and if done a couple of times over the day, then by the end of it the sum of your steps might add up to a significant number. 

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2. Go for a walk 

Going for a walk is one of the easiest ways to be active during the day. It is accessible, inexpensive, practical, and simple to incorporate into your daily life. There are many ways to sneak some steps here and there: you can have a morning walk around your neighborhood, walk to your office, or have a walk during your lunch break or in the evening after your work day if you have a busy schedule. Identical to stairs, a little bit here and there over the day may add up to a significant sum by the end of it. 

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3. Take a class or follow a video at home

Taking a yoga or pilates or cardio class (or any other activity you prefer), or following a video at home is also an easy and practical way to be active during the day. You can have a 5 or 10-minute video in the morning, then sneak another one in the evening. Taking a class at home makes it easier to fit your schedule than going to your local studio. This way you’re free to practice any time you feel like it and wherever you feel like it. Plus, it’s inexpensive, all you need is a mat and activewear. 

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4. Park your car away

Park your car further away from your destination. Whether you’re headed to work or just going out to the store for grocery shopping, opt to park far enough that you have to walk the rest of the distance there, instead of just stopping right in front of the entrance.

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5. Use a bike 

If you’re not living far from your office and it’s a possible option for you, why not use a bike instead of your car? It will add moderate activity to your day while helping you save money from gas, and help take care of the environment by reducing your carbon emissions.  

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Final Word

Moving your body on a daily basis is one of the best ways you can look after your health and well-being, and should be one of the key components of your self-care routine, whether you’re focusing on mental or physical or emotional self-care. (Being active is one of those wonderful habits that overlaps over different self-care dimensions.)

If you live a busy life and don’t have a lot of time to exercise, there are still practical and sustainable habits that you can easily incorporate into your daily life that don’t require much time and effort on your part and will help you reach your activity quota without overwhelming you. 

Last Tip: 

Remember to always listen to yourself. Listen to your body. Notice how it feels. If on some days, you feel more energetic than others, don’t hesitate to adapt and aim for more. And on the days your body doesn’t feel so good, listen to it, go easy, and try to focus on more soothing and nurturing low-intensity activities. 

After all, life is based on a balance between pushing yourself and resting when you need it.  

See also: How to start working out: 5 simple steps

Or if you’re interested in the other 5 key habits of physical self-care: Physical Self-Care: The 5 Key Habits

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So that’s it for this post.

How do you get your 30 minutes of activity per day? If you have any tips or ideas, please share them in the comments. 

I hope you have a wonderful day, and remember to be kind to yourself.