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Take a break. Sitting is more detrimental when done for long periods at once, so take time to step away from your desk or television every so often. Some fitness trackers offer reminders to get up and move once an hour, which can help — though many experts say you should avoid sitting for longer than 30 minutes at a time. On your lunch break, try standing or walking as you eat. While you’re watching TV, get up and stretch instead of sitting still for hours on end. And when meeting up with friends, don’t sit in a cafe — get your coffee to go and take a stroll together. Be less efficient. We value speed and try to optimize everything, but that’s part of the problem. Life’s little inconveniences get us to move. You’ve heard it before, but take the stairs instead of the elevator, don’t drive when you can walk or bike, and try not to sit when standing is an option. When you’re cleaning up at home, make more trips than you need to — going back and forth will result in more exercise. If you need to talk to a colleague, don’t email or call when you can stand up and walk over. Take the long route when you can, be the person who offers to get up and make more coffee, and use the restroom farthest from your desk. It will all add up. Exercise while you work. You’re probably not going to do pushups while you work on a spreadsheet, but you don’t need to. Every little bit helps. A standing
desk won’t necessarily help you burn calories, but it will help build up your bone and muscle strength. Plus, you’re more likely to take a few steps when you’re already up. Active seating options (like an exercise ball) or an under-the-desk pedal exerciser can keep you working and engaging your muscles at the same time. Finally, if your day is full of virtual meetings and conference calls, use these as opportunities to stand or even pace back and forth. You can’t change everything, but it’s important to control what you can. Improving your health starts with small measures. Do as much as you can to sit less and move more — you’ll feel better, and it just might add years to your life.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day With Your Little Sweethearts Valentine’s Day isn’t just for adults. Let your kids know they are the most important loves in your life with these sweet, inexpensive ideas that the whole family can enjoy! Your children will remember these traditions for years to come. Wrap up a small Valentine’s Day gift. Whether it’s a Valentine’s Day outfit, candy, a teddy bear, or a
necklace, it doesn’t have to be big or costly! Your children will enjoy feeling the love, and they’ll be excited to get something new. Don’t forget to have fun with the wrapping! Most stores have Valentine’s Day gift bags and wrapping paper around this time of year.
Make a special Valentine’s Day breakfast. Guess what? Pink pancakes, pink milk, and even pink eggs are a thing! With strawberry milk, food coloring and strawberries in the pancakes, and food coloring in the eggs, you’ll have an effortless and special breakfast for the little ones. Tip: Set the table the night before after the kids go to bed to make serving Valentine’s Day breakfast easier the next morning. Create Valentine’s Day cards for each kid. Tell your children all of your favorite things about them with their own personalized cards. There are so many ways you can get crafty with construction paper and glitter. Your kids are sure to love getting mommy-made or daddy-made one-of-a-kind valentines. Bake Valentine’s Day goodies together. What’s better than baking with your little ones? If you are short on time, you can find premade dough, usually with a Valentine’s Day theme. Or, you can try out your skills with heart shaped cookie cutters and sprinkles. It can get messy, but it’s certainly worth it!
Your baby valentines have stolen your heart — make sure they know it by spreading the love! Happy Valentine’s Day!
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