10 unexpected ways to get in shape for the New Year
From walking the dog to gardening, some of the simplest activities can help you get one step towards your New Year health goals. Research shows that starting with small, achievable goals is the best way to maintain momentum and get back on-track.
Start ticking off your ‘get in shape’ resolution before the clock strikes midnight with these 10 unexpected ways to improve your physical and mental health.
1. Gardening
Getting into shape should include all aspects of your health, including your mind. The benefits of spending time in nature and having a hobby abound. Not only is kneeling down to sow seeds or trimming the rose bush a great way to stretch your muscles, it’s good for the mind. A British study found that 88 per cent of gardeners say gardening helps boost their mental wellbeing.
2. Offer to dog sit
Researchers at Michigan State University found that dog owners are 34 per cent more likely to fit in 150 minutes of exercise per week. Don’t have a pooch? Sign up to a pet sitting service like Pawshake.com.au, where you can offer to dog sit for neighbours in your area.
3. Try an adult colouring in book
There’s a lot of hype about colouring books for adults, and rightly so. Neuroscientist Dr Rodski studied the brains of grown-ups while they coloured. “The most amazing things occurred- we started seeing changes in the heart rate, changes in the brainwaves,” he told the ABC. In essence: it’s meditation that’ll help you destress during the silly season.
4. Get off the bus one stop earlier
Sure, it’s easier said than done but cultivating incidental activity is a powerful way to up your exercise quota. Something as simple as jumping off the bus one stop early might seem minimal, but it should help you reach your 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity, as recommended by the Department of Health.
5. Leave your phone at the top of the stairs
Find yourself constantly checking your messages or answering calls? Use that to your advantage. Place your mobile or home phone in a place that requires you to walk or climb stairs to reach it.
6. Ditch the car
It’s easy to become reliant on driving, but taking the car to the supermarket only encourages you to be more sedentary. If possible, try to walk to shops close by, or buy the newspaper each day from your local newsagent, rather than having it delivered.
7. Carry groceries
If your New Year resolution is to tone your arms but the thought of lifting weights is too intimidating, start small. Carrying bags of groceries rather than heaping them in a trolley or wheelie bag is a great way to control how much weight you lift, and gradually increase your load. Be sure to start off small though so you don’t overexert yourself. This is perfect for those without joint or back issues.
8. Use screen time more wisely
An alarming 2014 Medibank study revealed that Australians spend more time in front of screens than sleeping. Try tweaking your habits before committing to an all-out overhaul. Take a look at the time you spend on various social media platforms and websites. If you check any one page or app more than twice a day, aim to switch to a mind-boosting app instead. Take a look at our round-up of the best mind apps and take your pick! [LINK- not yet live]
9. Hide the TV remote
An Australian study found that sedentary activity occupied on average 39 hours per week for adults. What’s more, it’s been linked to health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. Take the batteries out of the TV remote and change the channel the old fashion way- by getting up off the couch.
10. Stretch in the lift
Stretching increases blood flow and decreases your risk of injuries by helping your joints move through their full range of motion. If you struggle to find time to stretch, or simply forget, set a goal to stretch your feet and align your posture whenever you’re in the lift.
Related links:
How to avoid eye strain when using your computer or tablet
Some interesting statistics on the state of the world’s eyesight