I tell a joke whenever I introduce myself to a new class and identify myself as “Mrs. Long, not short, but long.” While this joke is very entertaining for the young, it’s also a good advice for those among us looking to find ways to add more physical activity without doing something as arduous as a workout. So here’s a little tip based on my joke.
Take the Long Way
Too often in this day and age we’re in a hurry to get where we are going. We’re looking to take the fast route. We want to get there as fast as possible. We’ll detour through residential streets to get around a busy intersection. We’ll cut corners on the job to get done before the day ends and more often than not; we’ll do the absolute bare minimum we have to do to get by.
This tip suggests that you go beyond that minimum and you take the long way. Instead of cutting across the building to go to your co-worker’s office, take the longer route around. You can park further out from the grocery store or the mall. But you can do more than that.
Make the Most of Every Opportunity
Are you heading to the grocery store to pick up a couple of things? Walk through the whole store whether you need to or not. Need to pick up your kids? Park your car and get out to walk up to get them. Need something from inside a fast food store or a drive thru coffee place? Park and get out of the car.
The longer you travel, the more steps you are taking. We’re lazy by nature. It’s easier, it’s faster and who wants to get out the car if you don’t have to? We need to exercise more, but more than just saying the word – we need to live more physically. We’re physical beings, we need to be more physical. We need to work in our gardens, walk to our destinations, and ride a bike and so much more.
So, take this bit of advice – I’m Mrs. Long, not short – take the long way – not the short.