Welcome to April!!

5 Ways to Incorporate Regular Movement into Your Day for National Movement Month (April)

April marks National Movement Month, a time to celebrate the power of physical activity and its benefits for your overall well-being. Movement is essential for maintaining good health, boosting energy, reducing stress, and improving both physical and mental well-being. Whether you’re working from home, at the office, or running errands, it’s important to find ways to stay active throughout your day. Here are five simple, yet effective, ways to incorporate more movement into your daily routine this April.

1. Take Short Walking Breaks

One of the easiest ways to get moving during your workday is to take short, regular walking breaks. Aim to step away from your desk every hour, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Walk around your home, office, or outside if possible. Walking is a low-impact exercise that can help reduce muscle stiffness, boost circulation, and clear your mind, leading to better focus when you return to your tasks. If you can, try to make it a goal to walk 5-10 minutes every hour to keep your body moving throughout the day.

2. Use a Standing Desk or Desk Converter

Sitting for long periods of time can be detrimental to your health, leading to poor posture and even increased risk of chronic conditions. If you spend a lot of time at your desk, consider using a standing desk or a desk converter to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. Standing while working helps engage your core muscles and promotes better circulation. If a standing desk isn’t an option, try setting a timer to remind you to stand and stretch for a few minutes every 30 minutes.

3. Incorporate Movement into Daily Chores

Household chores are a great opportunity to sneak in some extra steps and movements. Whether you’re vacuuming, washing dishes, or folding laundry, consider how you can make these activities more physically engaging. Try doing squats while you fold clothes, lunges while sweeping the floor, or walking up and down stairs while tidying up. Even small movements like these add up throughout the day, helping you stay active without having to set aside additional time for exercise.

4. Take the Stairs Instead of the Elevator

When you’re running errands or heading to work, skip the elevator and take the stairs instead. Climbing stairs is a great way to engage your leg muscles and get your heart rate up. It might seem like a small change, but taking the stairs consistently throughout the day can make a significant difference in your fitness level over time. Challenge yourself to take the stairs every time you’re in a building with more than one floor – it’s an easy and effective way to increase movement in your day.

5. Stretch and Move While Watching TV or on Phone Calls

Instead of sitting completely still during TV time or phone calls, why not incorporate some movement into these activities? Stand up and stretch, do some light yoga poses, or walk around your living room while watching your favorite show. If you’re on a phone call, try walking around your home or office. It’s a simple way to keep your body moving without interrupting your daily activities. You can even use the time to practice posture-correcting exercises, such as rolling your shoulders back or doing gentle spinal twists.

Incorporating regular movement into your day doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By taking small, intentional steps, you can stay active and enjoy the numerous health benefits that come with movement. This National Movement Month, challenge yourself to find creative ways to get moving, and you’ll be surprised by how much better you feel physically and mentally. Remember, it’s not about perfection, but about consistency. So, get moving and celebrate your health every day this April!