Staying active is one of the key factors in maintaining long-term health. Fitting exercise and even moderate activity into your daily routine, however, isn’t always easy. Whether it’s because of a busy schedule or a health condition, you may find it difficult to get the daily exercise you need.
Physical Therapy of Melissa has put together a list of ways for you to stay active. These are super simple and easy tips that don’t cost you anything at all! If you find that chronic pain or an acute injury that just won’t heal, is keeping you from performing these comfortably, no problem. Give us a call today at Physical Therapy of Melissa to schedule an appointment! We’ll take care of you and have you up and active again in no time.
Are you ready to get active?
1. Take frequent breaks at work.
Do you have a desk job? If so then you probably already know how good it feels to get up and stretch after sitting for ages! You can walk the stairs or around the perimeter of your office during lunch breaks. There are even simple exercises and stretches you can do at your desk. If you don’t work outside the home, you can still incorporate walking breaks and intermittent stretching into your daily routine.
2. Eat home cooked meals more often.
While it does sometimes feel easier to just go out to eat because you don’t want to cook, or don’t have food at home to cook a meal for yourself, cooking at home is the better option. Cooking at home not only means healthier eating but is an easy way to stay active and burn a few extra calories. Standing on your feet, moving around the kitchen, and chopping and mixing food burns a lot more calories than eating out. When you take into account shopping for groceries, pushing a cart, and the clean-up after a meal is over, this can add up to a lot of activity.
3. Get a pet to exercise with.
Do you have a pet? If you don’t, it still may not be surprising to you that they need a lot of activity and time to get their energy out! Animals don’t have jobs and things like humans do, so the amount of time they get to walk around and exercise is limited. It’s totally up to their owners, us humans, to make sure they get adequate exercise. You know what that means? More exercise for you, as well!
Getting a pet, especially a dog, will help improve your overall activity level. You’re more likely to enjoy moving if you have a cat or a dog to play with. Taking daily walks and spending time with your pet outdoors is a fantastic way to get moderate exercise that is both fun and healthy. Having a pet may also reduce anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
4. Walk instead of drive.
Yes, we all know walking is healthier than taking the elevator. But are you taking advantage of all your opportunities to walk? Even walking to the end of the drive each day to get the mail instead of picking it up from the car window can make a difference. There are a few tips to follow that will encourage you to walk more.
• Choose Comfortable Shoes– If your feet are sore because of shoes that fit poorly, you’ll be less likely to spend time walking. A physical therapist can help you select the best shoes.
• Use a Pedometer– A pedometer is a low tech item that counts the number of steps you take. It’s a fun way to keep track of how far you’ve walked.
• Walk with A partner– Having someone who will keep you accountable will help you stay motivated on the days you don’t feel like walking.
5. Call our clinic for an appointment!
Physical therapy can aid in the recovery of long-term injuries that have never fully healed, as well as the discomfort associated with chronic illnesses such as arthritis. Physical therapy can help you stay active and feel more energized even if you’re in reasonably good health.
A physical therapist can help you develop an exercise plan that will enhance your general strength, flexibility, and stamina. Physical therapy can help with a variety of things, including athletic improvement and the capacity to carry out daily activities with improved ease and endurance.
Let’s make this year your best one yet
Making a few simple changes in your life can dramatically increase your activity level. These changes, along with visiting a physical therapist, can improve your health and overall well-being. Give Physical Therapy of Melissa a call today to schedule an appointment, and let us help you make this year your most active, best one yet!
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