Working From Home? Here's How to Stay Active!

Whether you are self employed or working for an organization that has a work from home option, it is very easy to feel like a couch potato while you sit at home all day. The walk from your bedroom to your desk isn't very long and that seems to be the majority of your daily exercise.

By no means are these weight loss techniques. These are tips to help make both your body and your mind feel better while working from home.

Here are a few pointers on how to feel less "blah" while you work from the comfort of your own home.

1. Wear a fitness tracker.

Many fitness tracker bracelets such as Fit-bits have an alarm that will go off when the wearer has not taken any steps in a while. This is a good way to remind you to take a break and walk around a bit. This is not only good for your body but your mind needs a few work breaks too.

2. Change of Scenery

If your work space and set up accommodates it, try moving around your house. I move from my work desk to my kitchen table and even outside on my patio to work. This allows me to get up and move and it helps the day go by changing my scenery.

3. Walking Calls

If your work requires you to be on a lot of calls or dial into conferences try to do those on a wireless device and walk around while you chat. I often make calls and walk up and down my stairs. It is natural for many people to pace while they speak anyways so why not use that to get some steps in?

4. Don't stick to just your home.

One of the great perks of working from home is that you are free to work from any remote space. Go to a coffee shop and get a nice drink or find a quiet spot at your local library. Buckle down to do some work. This is a change of your usual atmosphere and can inspire new ways of working.

5. Set early hours.

If your position allows, try to set your work hours earlier. I start my day at 7:00 AM and that means I am usually done around 3:00 pm. It feels like I still have so much of my day left! Getting up early gets my brain and body pumping at earlier hours. With no commute time why not get better use of your morning?

6. Lunch Break

What to do with your lunch break while working from home? Get out of the house and do something! Take your dog for a walk, go for a quick jog. Whether you get 30 minutes, or a full hour make the best of it and use that time to get active.

7. Standing Desk

Of course a legitimate standing desk may not be in the budget for your home office. But I bet you have some areas around your house that could be used as a standing desk. I have a bar height kitchen table that I like to use. Often times kitchen counters are a great height for this too. The simple act of standing while you work can make a big difference in the way you feel at the end of a work day.

Hopefully these few tips have inspired you to be less of a couch potato while you work from home. Keeping a positive head space and feeling your best are crucial to a successful work day no matter where you work. I would love to hear about any other tips and tricks you may find helpful too!