I recently read an article about how people with desk jobs tend to gain weight because they get so little physical activity during the day. And that’s not to mention the office vending machines loaded with sugary crap conveniently located down the hall that make it even easier to pack on the pounds with little effort.

I used to have a strict rule that I must leave the office and go for a walk for 20 minutes a day. A midday walk isn’t just a great way to keep active, it’s also a huge stress reliever. And if you stare at a computer all day like I do, you have a chance to give your eyes a rest. For a while there, I would even go to the gym during lunch and cram in a quick run. I’d return to the office refreshed, energized, and much more focused all afternoon. However, since the weather turned colder and I’ve been busier, I’ve let my rule slide a bit -- often not leaving the building once from the time I set foot inside in the morning until I leave to go home at night, and I’ve noticed a difference. Not only have I gained a little weight but I’m also crankier and more tired and stressed.

As a friend once pointed out to me, if you worked in a fast-food restaurant, you’d be required to take a break by law. So I’ve decided that it’s time to reinstate the rule. No matter how busy I am and unless it’s just Arctic outside, there’s always time for a short break. My body and mind will thank me for it. And maybe I’ll call it a 10-Minute Rule until spring rolls around.

Also you can consider exercising on the job. Try our at-work workout.

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• #10 Comment from csswin
  5/1/08 11:43 PM | Permalink

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• #9 Comment from hyperoracle
  12/15/07 8:53 PM | Permalink

  I think my job is making me fat!
  
  I'm a dental nurse and we're always on the go...most days i'd go with no break during the day because we get too busy and when I get home, i binge.  This is really horrible!
  
  And becuase of the busy schedules, I find little time left to do some exercise, or i'll feel too tired after work to be bothered working out at all.  So instead, I choose the crash in front of the TV binge eating biscuits even after dinner "to make up for the day's meal missed"....
  
  Any suggestions on what I can do?
• #8 Comment from bonggworld
  7/18/07 8:30 PM | Permalink

  IF YOU EAT AND DRINK LIKE A FAT PIG THEN YOU WILL BE A FAT PIG...   http://www.cdbaby.com/all/addambongg
• #7 Comment from scholer1
  3/12/07 10:35 PM | Permalink

  I recently began saving empty gallon, half gallon, and various other size empty containers to create a weight set for my daughter and myself.  I planned on getting sand when at the beach end of June and filling them.  Or perhaps I will think of another substance to fill them.
  
  I plan on starting a walking exercise regime tomorrow!!!  I thought of this idea:  to walk a 15-20 mins. after dinner 2 - 3 times a week with Taylor, my daughter.  But of course when I thought of doing this last Monday it was very cold, windy, and wintery yet...  so I put it off until this week.  I did not get to fit it in today but I most definitely will tomorrow evening especiallly since daylight savings began also.
  
  Great info.!!! PEACE, flip it, Keep the PEACE!!
  
• #6 Comment from hokethomas
  3/12/07 10:06 PM | Permalink

  It feels good to know I'm not alone with this battle.  I'm going to recommit to taking time for myself.  I find that the best time for me to exercise is in the early am; like 5-5:30 am.  I exercise for about 30 minutes and it feels great.  
  
  One of my coworkers actually has a stationary bike in her office that she brought in.  Seems like a great idea!