Getting fit and healthy can sometimes feel like a major effort. However, there are many health-boosting changes you can make that won't feel like such a chore. To help make the shift into exercise and healthy living, check out our top 10 health tips for lazy people.
1. Build exercise into your routine Many of us think we need to spend hours working up a sweat at the gym to stay fit. But although intense workouts are beneficial, they can also be extremely off-putting and are not strictly necessary. Research shows that regular daily activity could be more effective than sporadic workouts, so rather than allotting a specific "exercise time" a day, try peppering your day with gentle bits of activity such as taking the stairs instead of the lift, doing the housework, or walking to the shops at lunch.
2. Make your own 'ready' meals We all know that eating fresh, home-made produce is good for us, yet many of us are too tired to whip up a culinary masterpiece after a hard day's work. But rather than falling into the trap of relying on store-bought ready meals that may lack in nutritional value, try making your own healthy versions instead. Cook healthy meals in large batches at the weekend so you have plenty of healthy choices in your freezer for days when you're too lazy to cook.
3. Get a pet to improve your health If you want big health results without making a big effort, getting a pet could be the way to go. Multiple research studies have shown that pet owners have improved physical and mental health, including lowered blood pressure, better ability to cope with adverse life effects, and lower stress levels. Getting a pet dog may just provide you with that push you need to get out and get active.
4. Exercise while watching TVBlobbing out in front of the telly can be the quickest way to pile on the pounds. However, couch potatoes needn't despair; there are many ways to keep healthy and active in front of the screen. To boost your fitness while watching TV, squeeze a mini-workout into each commercial break - try sit-ups, skipping or a quick run up and down the stairs. The golden rule is simply to keep moving, with research suggesting that even fidgeting while sitting can burn up to 350 calories a day.