Whatever your age or ability, anything you can do to stand and move a little more might improve your health.
30 minutes a day makes a difference
Reducing sitting time by about 30 minutes daily led to better blood pressure measurements, which could reduce health risks.
For most people, it’s easy to stand more. Here are tips to spend more time up and about each day, drawn from Rosenberg’s research.
Stand during activities when you usually sit
Read the newspaper, browse the internet, or catch up on emails while standing at a counter.
Set up a desk or writing space where you can stand.
When doing hobbies such as knitting or playing board games, stand at a high table or counter for some of the time.
Stand for the first few minutes while talking on the phone.
When using the computer, set reminders to stand and do stretches or strengthening exercises regularly.
Stand during the first morning cup of tea or coffee.
Stand every time you send a text message.
Change your TV habits
Stand, stretch, or move around the room during commercials or during halftime.
Only watch TV when it’s dark outside.
Watch TV while doing a standing household chore like ironing or folding clothes.
Do small bits of standing and walking all day long
Take a walk around the block or around your house after each meal.
Walk your dog.
Take the longest route to get to places within your home — or make an extra loop.
Take a break to dance to one song.
Walk and talk (in person or on the phone) with a friend instead of sitting to catch up.
Park the car farther away when grocery shopping or doing errands.
Walk an extra lap around stores when shopping for groceries or doing errands.
If you live in a large building, take a walk through the hallways.
