6 simple things to do to keep fit without visiting the gym

diipo adeusi

May 6, 2016 12:14 AM

Life gets very busy in Nigeria. As much as we may want to be fit, we don’t always get the chance to hit the gym. On such days, don’t feel bad, as there are organic ways to make up for it.

Simple things to do when not at the gym

Life gets very busy in Nigeria. As much as we may want to be fit, we don’t always get the chance to

Nothing can really take place of the health benefits of a good workout. However, you shouldn’t give up on your workout altogether. Here are simple things you can do to make sure you’re still on point:

1. Drink a cup of green tea:

There are so many health benefits of sipping green tea throughout the day. Aside from being linked to lowering the chances of cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Type 2 diabetes, a Japanese study discovered that regularly consuming green tea can help reduce your chances of cardiovascular disease (CVD). It also has a decent amount of caffeine, which is great for your mid-afternoon slump.

2. Eat slow and chew more:

Although it sounds gross, you should get in the habit of eating slow and chewing enough so your food is almost in liquid form before swallowing. That way your body absorbs more nutrients, digests easier and gets full faster. It takes our brains 20 minutes to realize that we’re full, which is why most people overeat and experience that “food coma” feeling. When you eat slower, you are forced to be conscious and mindful in the present moment, making you feel happier and more focused.

3. Make a to-do list:

You’ll feel a lot better about not hitting the gym when you’re achieving in other areas of life. Making a to-do list will relieve you. Prioritize the list in order of relevance, and start your day by dealing with the tasks you’re dreading most. It will keep you focused and reduce anxiety.

4. Listen to lively songs:

People usually listen to the kind of music that matches the mood they’re in, rather than listening to songs for the kind of mood they envision. The Mayo Clinic discovered music can actually lower stress levels, ease pain and relieve blood pressure. If you’re not someone who can work with music on, listen to it while you can, such as in the car on the way to work or during your lunch break.

5. Exfoliate and moisturize your skin:

We generally don’t take skin care regimes seriously until we’ve already started seeing signs of skin damage and aging. There are two basic and affordable musts for skin care: exfoliator and moisturizer with SPF. Use a quality exfoliator once a week, to get rid of all the dry, dead skin. Every morning moisturize your face. Neck and chest with SPF, before leaving the house, just so one doesn’t start aging fast than the other.

6. Get some good night rest:

We all know how important sleep is, yet we cut corners on it. You could use an app like Sleep Cycle that records your sleeping patterns and allows you to notice activities in your daily schedule that affect your sleep quality. Talk to your doctor about trying a natural sleep aid such as Melatonin for overly stressful days, or sipping chamomile and lavender tea before bed.

diipo adeusi