Not to sound bossy, but if you have a carpeted staircase near you, step away from your computer immediately and climb it five times. Really, go do it. I’ll wait . . .
Assuming you followed directions, it took you just a minute or two and now you’re settled back in your comfy chair quietly panting and feeling more alert. This, my friend, is just a glimpse into the many benefits of walking up and down the stairs in your home, apartment, or office.
Some people are passionate about running miles a day or making their biweekly visits to Orangetheory. I am passionate about stair-climbing—and you will be too once it becomes a regular part of your day.
How, you might be thinking, did this habit develop? Why the enthusiasm for something so commonplace as a flight of stairs?
Really, it comes down to this: The only way you’ll find me running is if I’m chasing a soccer ball or one of my children. I don’t want to work out in public at a gym or studio, and I sit at a desk all the ding-dong day.
When I started working full-time from home, I knew I needed to adopt healthier habits—and fast. Gone were the days of keeping up with my active babies and toddlers.
With my children in school, I was suddenly sedentary and could feel it in all the worst ways. The number on the scale crept higher and higher. My energy level began to dip—particularly in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. That was a joke. But really, I was fatigued and restless much of the day.
I reacted to this new stage in life by doing what I do best: silently stewing about it then complaining to my husband before deciding enough was enough.
That’s when I came up with a plan.
Step 1: I purchased a 10-inch-tall silver cup that sets on my desk. With the cup always in my face, I guzzle water all day long.
Step 2: I bought a standing desk so I’m not slumped over all day. To be honest, I still sit slumped over most of the day. But I rev this baby up whenever I remember to give my back a break.
And Step 3: You guessed it, I run up and down our stairway. A lot. When I need a break, when I want to get nerves out before a big call, when I’m in between projects and have to change my focus fast . . . to the stairs I go.
Here’s the other thing: I know this is good for my body, but it makes me feel good too. Ends up the adage “move the body, change the mind” is pretty effective.
Whether or not we realize it in the moment, our moods and feelings have a lot to do with how our bodies are functioning. That’s where movement comes in, and that’s also why my stair-climbing is an essential part of my day.
