Maintaining an Active Lifestyle Doesn’t Have to be Difficult.
Let’s face it: it can be difficult for us to slow down and relax at times. We all want to get as much done as possible during the active day! However, it is past time for us to be more realistic about what is and isn’t possible for us to achieve through sheer willpower alone. Our bodies have physical limitations.
Even if you desperately want to complete your entire to-do list in a 24-hour period, it’s unlikely to happen! Instead, start using these tips and tricks to keep yourself motivated, active, and moving forward on your journey to do it all.
To make things a little easier for you, here are five simple strategies you can start using right away to stay active and engaged in your life.
1. Take a stand against your aches and pains
The most common reason individuals do not stay active is because they are living with chronic pain. According to the National Institute of Health, the majority of Americans are affected by chronic pain on a daily basis. Nearly 40 million adults report moderate to severe pain, which is concerning and may indicate underlying health issues.
But there is some good news! Physical therapy is an effective and simple way to alleviate the majority of your pain. A licensed physical therapist’s manual therapy or ultrasound treatments can significantly improve a person’s condition, help alleviate pain, and restore joint and muscle function.
2. Use fitness tools to help track your active progress
There are numerous products available to track, encourage, and inspire your physical activity. Using these products may even increase your levels of activity! However, the key to success is to set daily, weekly, and monthly goals for yourself so that the tools can track your progress. Here are some examples of how trackers can be useful!
- Make sure you use your tracking device or tool on a daily basis. Being consistent with something creates a habit (and we all know how difficult it is to break a habit!).
- Make a list of your objectives. You might want to try to get 10,000 steps in per day, but make sure you’re not overdoing it.
- Involve your friends and family in your activities as well. Many trackers have features that allow you to compare your progress to that of another user. This type of comparison can be very motivating! Not to mention that working out with someone rather than alone is a lot more enjoyable.
- Make an effort to participate in activities that you enjoy. Most tools have limitations in terms of what types of activities they can measure, so it’s critical to pick a tracker based on the activities you enjoy the most. You’ll have an easier time staying on track if you do it this way.
3. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep
It may seem silly to suggest that if you want to stay active, you should rest more, but it’s true! Sleep deprivation can be very harmful to your health.
A third of the population in the United States has difficulty falling and staying asleep. One advantage of physical therapy is that it can help you sleep better and thus be more active when you are awake.
Physical therapists have specialized training that allows them to focus on areas critical to getting a good night’s sleep, such as tissue healing and pain management. A physical therapist can also advise you on how to integrate sleep health with overall well-being.
4. Go on more walks with your dog
Having a dog is a fantastic way to get yourself outside and moving. Pets require a lot of play and activity to stay healthy, and making yourself accountable for your pet’s health will almost certainly get you outside and running around with them!
Even if it’s only a short walk with your dog, this type of exercise is preferable to sitting on the couch all day. Some physical therapists may even recommend that you adopt a dog as part of your treatment plan.
5. Do some spring cleaning
Keeping your home clean can help you in a variety of ways. Cleaning works a variety of muscle groups and keeps you active and moving. Every stretch you make to dust up on a ledge or mop underneath a table works muscles that might not get much use otherwise. Squeeze your glutes and abdominal muscles as you move from room to room for added benefit!
Are you ready to live an active and pain-free life?
Physical activity does not have to be difficult, but it must be incorporated into your daily routine. If you’re ready to learn how physical therapy can benefit you, call Achieve Physical Therapy today to schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapists! Whether you want to get more active, relieve pain, or simply enjoy life more, we can help you!
