How to Walk More Every Day on a Busy Schedule

Exercise is often not something we have time for when we are trying to manage our busy schedules. Between work, family, and household obligations, it can be hard to walk enough each day. That being said, when there’s a will, there’s a way. Making slight changes in habits can greatly increase our daily step count. Here are my personal tips I use to walk more every day.

Park as far as possible

At the work parking lot, or while running errands, I park my car as far as possible. That way, I am forced to walk further to get to my destination. Parking further can also be safer for my car as people tend to park near the entrance. I like to think that I am decreasing the chances of having someone ding my car, while also improving my health!

Use the stairs whenever possible

Using the stairs whenever possible not only increases my step count, but it is also great for my glutes and calves! In fact, I very rarely use elevators. I find walking up the stairs is always much faster than waiting for slow elevators to arrive, especially in busy buildings.

Go for walks during your lunch break

Whether I’m working at the office or working from home, going for a 20-30 minute walk on my lunch break helps me feel refreshed and energized to tackle my afternoon work obligations. I tend to feel sleepy around 1:00 PM, but notice an improvement if I go for my lunchtime walk. Walking on my lunch break also helps split up my day. It is especially important for me to go on a lunchtime walk during the winter months, since it is already dark by the time I finish work. A lunchtime walk ensures I can enjoy some daylight.

Go for a walk after dinner

Finally, going for a walk after dinner helps me digest my meal and unwind after work. Depending on the time of day, an after-dinner walk can also be a nice opportunity to see the sunset. I do love walking during golden hour!

Finally, here is a bonus walking tip from my boyfriend, for those who live in a two-story house and have more than one bathroom: use the bathroom on another floor in your house than the floor you are currently occupying. For example, if you are relaxing in the basement or on the main floor, use the upstairs bathroom. Doing this is another simple way to get extra steps in. For those who live in a bungalow or an apartment, walking in place indoors still counts! Sometimes I just don’t feel like going outside, it happens… but that doesn’t mean I can’t get more steps in!

Do you have any of your own tips to walk more every day? Thanks for reading!