Simple ways to get more active - Food for the Brain

Simple ways to get more active

Our modern world is designed to minimise your activity with every single ‘action’ at a push of the button. But you don’t have to buy into this. In fact, we want you hunting for ways to increase your activity in simple things you do every day.

9 simple tips to move more

  1. Get into a good habit
    Set a reminder (you could use the alarm or timer on your phone) to get up and move every 30 minutes during the day. Try stretching during TV ad breaks or pacing around the kitchen while the kettle’s boiling.
  2. Leave for lunch
    Lunchtime is a good opportunity to fit in some activity. Take a break to stretch and unwind, or even fit in a quick 10-minute home workout.
  3. Your own stand-up routine
    Try standing when you can instead of sitting – even short periods will add up and improve your strength.
  4. Take up a hobby
    Active hobbies like gardening or DIY can be great for your mind as well as your body.
  5. Track your progress
    Hitting your daily target will feel great! Using tracking apps can help, but even just a checklist on a piece of paper will do.
  6. It’s better together
    If your friends and family want to be more active too, try engaging everyone’s competitive side with activity challenges like seeing who can do the most steps in a day.
  7. Go from strength to strength
    Strength-building activities – like carrying heavy grocery bags, or following an online pilates or strength workout video – help to keep muscles, joints and bones strong. Aim to do this at least twice a week.
  8. Reward yourself
    Set yourself activity goals and rewards. You could go for a long walk then treat yourself to an episode of your favourite TV show!
  9. Find something you enjoy
    Not sure where to start? Give one of the offers below a go to find something that’s right for you, or try searching for an online programme. Whether it’s running, yoga or simply dancing around your living room, it all counts.

Pick three that you aren’t doing now and could change. Write them down as ‘commands’ and put this somewhere you look at often. It could be on your fridge or by your desk where you work or a ‘sticky’ on your computer.

Don’t forget to keep your smartphone on you counting your daily steps as these small changes will make a difference.