Easy Ways to Move More While Working from Home
2025-12-31
Working from home has become a way of life for many people, offering flexibility and comfort but also posing challenges when it comes to staying active throughout the day. Without the natural movement that comes with commuting or moving around an office, it can be easy to find yourself sitting for long stretches, which might leave you feeling stiff or sluggish. Fortunately, there are simple and enjoyable ways to increase your daily movement without disrupting your work or requiring extra time.
One of the easiest things to do is to create gentle reminders to take short breaks away from your desk. These do not have to be elaborate or time-consuming; standing up to stretch, walking to another room, or simply doing a few light movements can help ease muscle tension and bring a refreshing shift in your posture. Some people find it helpful to connect these breaks with natural pauses in their workflow, like finishing a task or during transitions between meetings. This way, movement becomes part of the rhythm of the day rather than an interruption.
If you have space near your workstation, consider incorporating movements that don’t require a lot of room but still get your muscles gently engaged. Simple leg lifts, seated marches, or gentle twists can awaken the body and offer a welcome break from prolonged sitting. These movements function well because they can be done discreetly without needing special equipment or preparation, making it easier to stay consistent.
Changing your work setup can also encourage more natural movement. Standing desks or adjustable workstations help alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day, encouraging shifts in posture and lowering the chances of becoming too sedentary. Even if a dedicated standing desk isn’t part of your arrangement, placing your laptop or work materials on a higher surface occasionally can offer a similar effect. The goal is to remind yourself that standing and moving your body can be a normal part of your work routine.
Walking meetings are another pleasant way to blend movement with work duties. Not every conversation requires sitting in front of a screen, so using phone or video calls to stand up and move around can make a difference. Walking indoors around your house or stepping outside for fresh air during these calls can not only help you stay active but also offer a subtle mental break, refreshing your focus when you return to more concentrated tasks.
If you find your schedule packed with back-to-back meetings or tasks, try setting a gentle timer to prompt brief breaks. It can be as simple as standing up every hour to move, stretch, or even practice a few mindful breaths while walking. These moments, while short, accumulate over the day and contribute positively to your overall sense of well-being. The goal is not vigorous exercise but simply inviting movement to counterbalance the stillness of work.
Incorporating light physical activity into your daily household routines can also add to your movement goals. Tasks like tidying up your space, preparing meals, or taking care of small chores all involve movement and can be appreciated as opportunities to stay active. Thinking of these moments as part of your wellness journey rather than interruptions to your workday can shift your mindset and make it easier to stay engaged with moving in a balanced way.
Sometimes, adding something enjoyable related to movement can increase your overall activity. Listening to your favorite music and gently dancing in place or doing small stretches during breaks can bring joy as well as physical benefits. The key is to find simple movements you like and that feel good to your body, so you’re motivated to keep going without pressure or resentment.
For those who enjoy using technology, there are easy-to-use apps or soft alarms that provide gentle prompts to move without feeling intrusive. These tools can offer suggestions for quick stretches or remind you to shift positions, especially if you tend to get absorbed in work and lose track of time. Just ensure that whichever method you choose fits smoothly into your work habits and does not create extra stress.
Finally, it’s helpful to approach movement during work-from-home days with kindness and patience toward yourself. It’s not about achieving a certain level of activity or perfection but rather about cultivating moments that bring ease and pleasure into your day. Every little bit of movement counts, and gradually incorporating these habits builds a foundation for feeling more comfortable and energized while you work.
In summary, moving more while working from home is less about fitting in intense exercise and more about nurturing consistent, small movements that complement your work rhythm. Short breaks, standing alternation, walking during calls, combining chores with movement, and listening to your body’s cues can all contribute to a more balanced and enjoyable routine. By gently weaving these ideas into your day, you create space for greater comfort and well-being without disrupting your productivity.