Many of us started off the year bright-eyed and bushy-tailed with a list of resolutions that included exercising more. However, as we settle into our daily routines and hectic schedules, we know that it can be challenging to stay on track.

Whether you’re at work or at home, here are some simple tips to help you meet and beat those activity goals.

  • Get moving during work breaks. Set a recurring notification to get up and move around every 30 minutes. When waiting for the kettle to boil or for your food to warm up, do some jumping jacks, squats or push ups.
  • Schedule playtime with the fam. Every week plan an activity with your family that’s fun and involves being active. This can be a dance-off in the living room, a scenic walk in nature or even hide and seek.
  • Step it up after a meal. If 30 minutes of activity each day sounds a bit daunting why not break it up? After each meal, take a ten minute stroll at a pace that is comfortable to you. And just like that you would achieve your half hour goal and get those steps in.
  • Explore online options. The great thing about the internet is that you can try different things without leaving your home. Want to try yoga? Curious about belly dancing? Check out a free tutorial on YouTube™ or enroll in a paid online class with a personal trainer.
  • Walk about the office. Walk around when making or taking phone calls on your mobile. This is a super simple way to help you get out of the sitting position more often.
  • Set your exercise alarm. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, when you get in from work or sometime in between, pick a time and create a daily reminder on your calendar. This will help you improve the chances of your workout becoming a part of your lifestyle.
  • Mix it up to keep it up. For those of us that get bored easily and find it difficult to stick with an exercise plan, try switching up your activities each week. Choose options that interest you and that you actually look forward to doing. It can also help if you get a workout buddy.

Sources: niddk.nih.gov diabete.qc.ca

To learn more, visit the Diabetes Association of Trinidad & Tobago (DATT).