We live in a world where pretty much anything can be done from the comfort of our home. Sitting behind a laptop is where we can order our weekly food shopping, chat to friends, play games, catch up on our favourite tv shows and read interesting articles. Why do we need to move around at all?

The importance of maintaining an active lifestyle is old news. We all know that we should probably move more, if not only for our physical but also mental health. Although there seem to be many obstacles intent on making us even more sedentary than ever, moving more is easier than you may think. Here’s some advice for getting more activity into your daily routine without making any drastic, unsustainable changes.

Go for a walk

Walking is seriously underrated. Simply getting outside, breathing in the fresh air and taking time for yourself can bring an abundance of both physical and mental benefits. Ideally you should aim to regularly do 10,000 steps per day. A 30 minute walk can add up to approximately 3-4000 of these. That’s 30 minutes out of your day which you may usually spend on Facebook or watching TV. Apart from the exercise aspect, going for a walk can give you time to switch off from a busy day at work allowing you to clear your mind and relax a little. Taking some time to enjoy the lighter evenings and feel the sun on your skin can make you feel so much better.

Take the stairs

It may seem like an effort when you have the option of an escalator or lift nearby, but choosing to take the stairs at every opportunity can dramatically increase your daily step count. Your fitness levels will also improve, as you exert yourself a little more each time by increasing your speed or how steep the staircase is that you’re ascending.

Park at the far end of the car park

Another super simple change of routine, this one can also save you time. No more driving round and round looking for a space as close to the door as possible. Leave your car in the far corner and walk to the shops. The return trip with your shopping bags will add extra intensity too!

Do something you love

The best form of exercise is one that you enjoy, one which you can see yourself doing in the long term. There’s no need to slog away for hours at the gym or force yourself out running if you hate it. There are thousands of activities which can keep you active, meaning there’s bound to be one out there that suits you. Why not join a local dance class, go rock climbing or surf the ocean waves? The opportunities are endless. All you need is a little motivation to get going and find something that makes you happy. The social aspect of joining a club, class or society is also huge. You never know who you might meet and what friendships you may form. Find an activity you love which you look forward to going to and which makes you feel great when you leave. That’s the real secret to maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle!