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I am Active Throughout the Day, Working at Home. Do I Still Need Exercise?

By:
Elda
Published:
October 19, 2023

Absolutely! Even if you are active throughout the day while working at home, it is still important to incorporate regular exercise into your routine. Here are a few reasons why exercise is beneficial, even if you have an active lifestyle:

Physical health: Exercise provides numerous health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health, increased muscle strength and flexibility, better bone density, and weight management. Regular exercise helps reduce the risk of various chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Mental well-being: Physical activity is closely linked to mental health. Regular exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals in the brain. It helps reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Exercise can also improve cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health.

Energy and productivity: While being active throughout the day can keep you engaged, focused, and productive, exercise can further enhance your energy levels. People often give an excuse of not exercising because they are too tired. On the contrary, regular exercise leaves you feeling more energised by improving blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and brain. Regular exercise can also improve your sleep quality, leading to better overall productivity and mental clarity.

Posture and musculoskeletal health: Many individuals working from home may spend prolonged hours sitting or hunched over a computer, which can lead to poor posture and musculoskeletal issues. Exercise, especially activities that promote flexibility, strength, and core stability, can help counteract these problems, improving your posture, reducing the risk of muscular imbalances, and alleviating discomfort. Some form of resistance or strength training exercise is extremely essential at least twice a week to promote your musculoskeletal health.

Long-term health benefits: Engaging in regular exercise is an investment in your long-term health. It promotes longevity, reduces the risk of age-related diseases, and helps maintain physical independence as you age. By incorporating exercise into your routine now, you are taking proactive steps to safeguard your health in the future.

To incorporate exercise into your daily routine, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week. Additionally, include strength training exercises at least twice a week to work on all major muscle groups. Find activities you enjoy, whether it's walking, jogging, cycling, dancing, yoga, or any other form of exercise, and try to make it a consistent part of your lifestyle.