Simple Exercises You Can Do While Working From Home

Working from home can be great for many reasons, but one of the challenges I encountered was finding ways to stay active throughout the day.

When you're in an office, it's easy to transition from work to home mode because you physically leave your work behind.

But working from home makes it too easy to let work spill over into your personal life.

Before you know it, the line between work and home becomes blurred, and you struggle to "turn off" work mode.

I'm not one to sit still for very long, so I had to get creative with how I could sneak in some movement throughout my workday.

Here are some simple exercises you can do while working from home to stay active:

1. Get up and move every 20-30 minutes

This is probably the most important tip. Sitting for long periods is terrible for your health. It's been linked to some health problems, such as obesity, heart disease, and cancer.

So, getting up and moving around every 20-30 minutes is essential. Set a timer on your phone or computer to remind you to get up and walk around for a few minutes.

I like doing simple stretches or taking a quick walk around the block.

2. Do some desk exercises

There are several exercises you can do right at your desk. These are great because they don't require any equipment, and you can do them even if you only have a few minutes.

Some of my favorites include:

- Shoulder rolls: Sit up straight and roll your shoulders back and down.

- Neck stretches: Gently tilt your head to the side, then to the other. You can also do a chin tuck by gently pushing your chin back towards your neck.

- Desk push-ups: Place your hands on your desk and do a regular push-up. If that's too difficult, you can do a modified push-up by putting your knees on the ground.

- Chair dips: Place your hands on the edge of your chair and slowly lower yourself. Then, press up to return to the starting position.

- Leg raises: While sitting in your chair, raise one leg straight out in front of you and hold for 10 seconds. Then, switch legs.

3. Take a standing break

If you have a lot of work, staying glued to your chair can be tempting. But that's not good for your health.

Instead of sitting the entire day, try to take a standing break every hour or so. For example, you can stand up to answer the phone or work at a standing desk.

If you don't have a standing desk, you can improvise by putting a box or stack of books on your regular desk. Then, stand up and work for a few minutes.

4. Do some household chores

Household chores are a great way to sneak in some extra activity. And it's a win-win because you're getting your work done and staying active simultaneously.

Some of the best household chores to do for a bit of extra activity include vacuuming and mopping.

5. Invest in a fitness tracker

A fitness tracker is a great way to motivate yourself to move more throughout the day. I like to wear mine all the time, even when I'm not working out.

It's a visual reminder to keep moving, and I like seeing how many steps I've taken at the end of the day. There are a lot of different fitness trackers on the market. So, you can find one that fits your budget and your needs.

6. Join an online workout class

If you're struggling to motivate yourself to exercise, joining an online workout class can be a great solution.

Some different platforms offer live and on-demand fitness classes. So, you can find one that fits your schedule and your fitness level.

My favorite online workout classes are yoga, Pilates, and barre.

7. Take the dog for a walk

If you have a dog, taking them for a walk is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise. And your dog will love it too!

If you don't have a dog, you can borrow a friend's or sign up for a dog walking service.

8. Play with your kids

Playing with your kids is a great way to get some exercise. And, it's something that the whole family can enjoy.

There are tons of different games and activities you can do. So, you can find something that everyone enjoys.

9. Ride a bike

Riding a bike is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. And, it's a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy.

If you don't have a bike, you can check out your local bike shop or borrow one from a friend.

10. Take a walk

Walking is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. And, it's something you can do even if you don't have much time.

If you can, try walking for at least 30 minutes daily. But, even 10 minutes is better than nothing.

There are several different ways to make walking more fun. For example, you can listen to music, audiobooks, or walk with a friend.

These are just a few ways to make exercising more fun. Finding an activity you enjoy makes you more likely to stick with it and make it part of your routine.

Do you have any tips for making exercise more fun? Please share them in the comments below!