Over the last several years there has been a sharp increase in the number of us who work from home. Indeed, there’s been a sharp learning curve for how we maintain a healthy lifestyle when in reality, there are days we never have to get out of our pajamas. But there are some key strategies to being resilient and productive at work at home.
We know that a lack of physical activity is a high factor of heart disease and that less active people have a 30 to 50% greater risk of developing high blood pressure. Even with this knowledge, statistics show that 24% of Americans over the age of 18 aren’t active at all. And none of those physical stressors even address the psychological and emotional toll that an unhealthy lifestyle takes on us.
Those were pre-Pandemic numbers. I’m finding that a lot of people are overwhelmed with stress and their resilience, and their motivation and their productivity is decreased while they’re learning to work from home.
To turn this around can test your motivation and willpower. However, your number one goal should be to get off your butt and be more active.
So, here are some tips to overcome 8 common excuses that keep you from being more active, happier, and physically fit while you’re working at home.
8 Excuses to Overcome
It’s inconvenient – You’re right. It can be. But take a few moments to discover a way to make activity and/or exercise as convenient as possible. I have a standup desk so I can move around, constantly burning calories and strengthening my core. And where else is more convenient for a quick stretch?
There’s no time. – There’s always time. Especially now, if you are working from home and you no longer have a commute, you can find pockets of time here and there to make sure you are being active. A recent article in the New York Times touted how research has shown that short bursts of activities can help you ‘reap the longevity rewards of exercise’ without having to participate in long or hard workouts. Carry the groceries. Take the stairs. Build activities into the everyday things you are already doing.
Exercise is boring. – Well, who says you can’t find activity that’s fun for you? I play tennis 3 days a week. So maybe it’s dance for you, or hiking in the wilderness, bowling, gardening, or swimming. I even know someone who does VR workouts on his gaming system. You may have to look for it, but there’s something out there for you to enjoy.
It’s inconvenient. – Yes, activity is sometimes harder to keep it going. And yes, you will likely have some missed opportunities as you’re creating this new habit. But this is the thing I think is important, and that is to have self-compassion. We’re human. We’re going to sometimes lose our motivation. We’re not going to work out at a 9 or a 10 level every time. So, give yourself grace. Give yourself mercy, and come back the next time and do it again.
I’m already too out of shape. – I get it. You may be winded just walking to your mailbox. If that’s the case, you’ve got to start slowly. The key part of that sentence is, “you’ve got to start.”
I’ve tried before but failed. – Well, how many of us have tried something new and failed at it? Yet we learned from it. It’s the same with our bodies and being active. One workout is not going to get us in shape. One missed workout is not going to derail our entire routine.
I hate jogging. – Who said anything about jogging? My friend kickboxes virtual foes. I play tennis. My wife Rhonda and I go “Wogging” together. We walk a lot, jog a little, but we keep each other company and keep each other motivated to move our bodies and go. But like battling “boring” exercise, be a learner and find a way to move that motivates you. If you force yourself to jog when you hate it, it will likely be another failed attempt at exercise.
It’s too painful to exercise. – Whether an accident, an injury, or just being older and out of shape, there’s a lot of causes for pain. I urge you to speak to your doctor about activities that will work for you and meet you at your comfort zone. And again, no one is asking you to run a triathlon. Play with your grandkids, pull weeds, walk your pets, or even dust the house daily. There is something you can do to increase your level of activity and movement and make you feel healthier.
So, what are you going to do get off your butt? How are you going to make your life healthier and more productive?
If you have any questions about how I can help you be more productive, schedule your Ask Brent Anything call HERE.
DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a physical trainer or a medical professional in any way. If you have any concerns about increasing your physical activity, you should always talk to your doctor before starting a new fitness regimen.
