How to Squeeze Extra Movement Into Your Day

What Traveling Through Europe Taught Me About Active Lifestyles

Have you ever felt so inspired by an excursion that you just HAD to talk about it? 

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Europe, and holy cow! Apart from the normal tiredness associated with traveling across time zones, I feel super recharged, refreshed, and ready to share a few realizations I experienced.

I’m an active person in general, but I have to tell you: My travel in Europe made me realize how sedentary the American lifestyle is in comparison to your average European lifestyle. 

Granted, I was not working a full day while I was there. But still, the cities we visited were extremely pedestrian-friendly, walking to/from activities was pretty standard, and I managed to get in an insane amount of movement without having to schedule planned gym time much at all. It was fantastic!

Now, I know most of us can’t drop everything and head to some adorable, walkable European hilltown—even as much as I travel, this was a particularly special treat. We CAN, however, find ways to incorporate this mindset of movement into our daily lives.

With that in mind, here are a few tips I took away from my trip:

1. Take advantage of prolonged daylight to walk to/from work, errands, etc.

We may not all live near enough to work to walk to our offices, but I bet you could walk to a local market next time you need a loaf of bread, to that cute coffeeshop a few blocks down from your place of work, or to your neighborhood book club. Wherever you go, choosing to walk or bike as often as possible is an obvious but stellar way to combine your workout time with other activities.

2. Turn social events into opportunities to move.

We’ve talked a lot recently about navigating nutrition during your summer barbecues and picnics, but did you know these social events are also a great excuse to get up and get moving? You don’t have to talk the whole group into a walk around the neighborhood. Just grab a frisbee or a kickball and initiate your favorite backyard game. Backyard sports can be a lot of fun whether you consider yourself an athletic person or not, and if your social events involve children, they’ll love getting to play games with the adults.

3. Drink as much water as possible.

With more movement comes a greater need for hydration! Sipping water (or sparkling water, if you want to feel extra European ;) ) throughout the day and with your meals will keep you feeling cool and hydrated even in the midst of all your extra activity.

Overall, my biggest piece of advice to you would be to work on “thinking active.” If you get into the habit of looking for opportunities to increase your activity levels, you’ll be surprised at how many opportunities to get moving arise in the course of any given day. 

If you’d like to hear more about my trip or about my summer activity habits, don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and join my Facebook Group, Never Diet Again. And as always, feel free to leave any questions you have in the comments below! 

Ciao, and cheers to your health!