If you’re looking for ways to be more active (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), you’re in luck!  I know many of us lead lives that are primarily sedentary, but even so, there are so many things you can do to up your activity level each and every day.  The benefit?  Not only will you be much more likely to get your steps in, you’ll also feel better mentally – I’m talking less anxious, more focused, and definitely more peaceful.

Truthfully, I’m all about staying physically healthy – that is, I appreciate why we should strive for physical health.  But when push comes to shove, I love how staying active makes me feel mentally.  So whatever your motivation, I encourage you to find ways to be more active that work for you – read on if you want my two cents on the matter!

Be More Active By: Parking Far From the Door

Not only will you  be getting more of a walk by parking at the waaaayy back of the lot, you’ll be doing other people a solid by allowing them to park closer to the store, your office, etc.  I had a friend in college who did this all the time simply to be nice, and I always admired him for that.  The way I see it, parking far away benefits you AND others, making it this way to be more active the ultimate win/win!

Be More Active By: Never Taking the Elevator

Obviously, depending on your stage of life, health, and current level of ability, you may need to take the elevator when one is available.  I get that.  Hello, I’m a mom of three young kids, one of whom must be strapped into the stroller at all times because he can Houdini his way out of anything and everything else.  But for times when I’m sans-children, or at least sans-toddler, I’m going to start taking the stairs, and I encourage you to do the same.  If you’re into kindness (and I’m guessing you are) this has the same benefit as parking at the back of the lot – you’ll be freeing up the elevator for people who actually need it, and you can feel good about that!

Be More Active By: Walking or Biking Somewhere You Usually Drive

This can be a toughie.  I realize that.  I don’t really live near enough to a store or coffee shop that I could walk to it without major hassle and/or having to walk or bike on a busy road (not my jam!).  However, I’d like us to think outside the box a little bit on this one.  For example, I’ve been in the habit of picking my kids up from the bus stop in the car on cold days.  In reality, it’s a five minute walk.  Just a five minute walk back from the bus stop may not seem like it would make that much of a difference, but it does.  Just five minutes of fresh air and exercise can help you (and me!) reset your day and brighten your mood.  Is there somewhere in your neighborhood you normally drive to, but would consider walking or biking to instead?

Also, I’d like to acknowledge that at the time I’m writing this post it’s January.  And I live in Connecticut, which means baby, it’s freakin’ cold outside on most days.  If you’d like to wait on this one until spring, I’m with you on that.  Surely, there are a few other ways to be more active in this post that you could try in the meantime.

Be More Active By: Walking On Your Coffee Date Instead of Sitting

Yes, this is another one that could be weather dependent, but I’m also a fan of bundling up and taking a walk outside no matter what the weather.  Do you!  But the next time you schedule a coffee date with your bestie or significant other, consider taking your java to go and get moving while you sip and talk.  Even just doing this once a week can make a big difference in the way you feel, and can help you lose weight, if that’s something you’re interested in.  Movement is always a good thing, and movement with Starbucks in hand?  Well, that’s certainly even better!

Related: 15 Smarter Choices at Starbucks

Be More Active By: Scheduling in a Movement Break Here and There

Speaking of movement, why not try scheduling it into your day?  While you can certainly plan to hit the gym or take a yoga class as part of your daily schedule, it actually doesn’t have to be as structured as that.  On a busy day, try setting a few alarms or reminders on your phone to get up and get moving.  It can be a brisk walk, a solo dance party, or simply a few yoga poses you can do anywhere.

There you have it, my friends!  I’d love to hear all the ways to be more active YOU can come up with in the comments!  Also, which one are you going to start doing this week?  I’m thinking of scheduling some movement breaks for sure!

P.S. Get your FREE guide to stopping negative self-talk here!