Five Ways to Stay Active on a Rainy Day
As winter approaches, sunny days can be far and few in between. But as the health experts agree, exercise is so important for our health and can prevent many diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. We should all be trying to get at least thirty minutes of exercise every day to maintain a positive state of health and wellbeing.
If you need a few suggestions on how to stay active on a rainy day, here are our top tips to keep you feeling energised and inspired.
1. Do some yoga
Yoga is a great low-impact activity that requires no equipment other than a mat or towel. You can find easy-to-follow instructional videos online to guide you through a series of poses and asanas, catering to all levels of knowledge, flexibility and duration. If you’re already a regular yogi, try mixing it up by trying some poses on an acupressure mat. You could also crank the heating for a Bikram-inspired session to really feel the satisfying burn.
2. Just dance
Let your hair down and loosen up your muscles with the Fire Hydrant, the Sprinkler or the Macarena. A high energy dance session can not only be a great form of cardio, but can also lower your stress levels and release your ‘happiness’ hormones such as serotonin and endorphins. Who needs chocolate when you’ve got Britney, hey?
3. Raise your desk to standing height
Got a work deadline? If you find your day often slips away, try adjusting your desk to standing height so you’re getting some exercise in, even as you work. Not only can standing be better for your posture and burn more calories than sitting, it can also boost your productivity. Standing upright helps to keep your mind more alert so you can focus more clearly and get through your work more efficiently, leaving a little more time to bust out the dance moves!
4. Take the stairs
A surefire way to get your adrenaline pumping is by taking the stairs. If you live in an apartment building, try taking the stairs rather than the lift each time you step outside. Even if the rain means you’re not stepping outside, set yourself a twice-daily reminder to stop and hit the stairwell for as long as you can. A quick and effective way to boost your fitness and stay active, with no weights or equipment required.
5. Keep your mind engaged
If you’re feeling sore, unwell or simply need to give your body a break, try keeping your mind active instead. Rather than simply zoning out in front of the television, read a book or listen to a podcast and try to actively concentrate. Similar to physical exercise, mental activity has also been shown to be highly effective in reducing stress, improving your mood and helping you sleep better, all key ingredients to helping your physical health get back on track.
Our number one tip? Try to mix up your daily activities to keep your motivation up and your energy high. Repeating the same form of exercise daily can quickly leave you feeling uninspired and your body feeling sluggish. So be sure to switch up your daily activities with some of these top tips, to keep your mind engaged and your body energised!
Written by Sweni Shah for Muscle Mat