More Walking Snacks: Easy Ways to Fit More Steps into a Busy Day
I remember years ago, when I got my very first FitBit for Christmas. I found myself looking down at my watch throughout the day, realizing that I didn’t have enough steps and feeling that sense of panic that, for many of us, has just become a part of our daily life. Little did I know that, in trying to improve my overall health and fitness, I had just introduced myself to a whole new kind of anxiety to add to my already full anxiety bouquet.
Back then, I wasn’t getting out for a walk every day, so that 10,000-step goal felt almost impossible. At the end of the day, when my husband sat down to unwind and watch TV, I’d watch with him out of the corner of my eye while doing laps around the kitchen. From there, I started looking for other ways to fit in a few extra steps—like walking circles around the bathroom while brushing my teeth. And, though I didn’t know it yet, that’s when the idea of Walking Snacks started taking shape. Though I didn’t have a name for them—or any kind of list—I was constantly looking for ways to appease my FitBit on days when my numbers fell short.
We all have those days—the ones where the schedule is just too crowded to fit in a long walk. And that’s where Walking Snacks come in. They’re ways to fit in some extra steps during the day—to help you keep moving and working toward your step goals—even when your schedule seems packed.
A while ago, I shared a list of Walking Snack ideas for everyday use. And I shared some more Walking Snacks to help you through the busy holiday season. But there are always more ways to squeeze in more steps. So here are some extra ideas to add to your Walking Snack arsenal.
Laundry Snack
Laundry is one of those unavoidable tasks that take up so much of our time every week. But it’s also one that offers some great multi-tasking opportunities. While you’re waiting for your clothes to wash—and then again while you’re waiting for them to dry—you can get plenty of steps in!
If you’re doing laundry at home, you can take some time to walk around the block. If you’re at a laundromat, you can walk around the parking lot and still keep an eye on your clothes. While we were on spring break, I spent a night doing laundry in the hotel’s guest laundry room—and I passed the time by walking up and down the hallway (while reading at the same time!). I was able to get my steps and keep an eye on the laundry.
Coffee Countdown Snack
As it turns out, we spend a lot of time waiting for our appliances to finish their jobs. While you’re waiting for the coffee to brew, don’t just stand there, staring at your phone—or watching that magical brown elixir as it streams into your coffee pot. Take this time to walk!
I spend a lot of coffee-brewing time walking circles around the kitchen island, but you can also choose to step outside and walk around the house (or the office). Or, if you don’t have a lot of room, walking in place works, too!
Intermission Snack
Back long ago, in the days before streaming, we watched TV live, or we didn’t watch it at all. But while streaming has taken over most of the viewing in our house, there’s still one time when we can’t avoid the commercials: when we’re watching our favorite sports. If you’re a sports fan, this is the perfect time to get some extra steps.
Get up during commercial breaks and walk around your living room. During breaks between halves or quarters or periods or innings (depending on the sport you’re watching), take a few extra minutes to pace (or even march in place). Not only will you get some extra steps, but it might help you calm your sports-fan nerves a little bit, too.
Binge-Watch Snack
Commercials and intermissions make for obvious breaks when you’re watching live TV—but you can get some extra steps while binge-watching shows on your favorite streaming service, too. Instead of clicking “Next Episode” or “Skip Credits,” take advantage of that time to get up and move! Pace through the closing credits for one episode and the theme song for the next—or, for extra steps, hit Pause and challenge yourself to get 500 steps before starting the next episode.
Favorite Song Snack
Sometimes you just need to take a break in the middle of the day to play your favorite song. Maybe you just need to shut out the chaos of the day and listen to something that will calm you down or make you feel invincible or just put a smile on your face. Instead of just sitting at your desk and enjoying your song, take that time to walk around. Your favorite song + the extra movement will give you an instant mood boost.
Dinner Prep Snack
As the old saying goes, “A watched pot never boils.” Making a meal tends to come with a lot of waiting. So while you’re waiting for the water to boil (or the meat to defrost…or the Instant Pot to pressurize), do some laps around the kitchen. You can keep an eye on that pot of water as you pass, and you can get some extra steps in the process.
Phone Call Snack
I dread having to make phone calls—whether I have to call to make an appointment or check on a prescription or something else. But that’s the perfect time to fit in some extra steps. While you’re waiting on hold or talking through your account information with the person on the other line, get up and walk around. You’ll get some extra movement in while crossing another task off your to-do list.
Parking Lot Snack
Sure, you can get a few extra steps by choosing a parking spot that’s just a little farther from the door. But if you park on the far edge of the parking lot, even better! It may not make for the most scenic walk, but it’s still a good way to get those extra steps and some fresh air while you’re running the day’s errands.
Shopping Snack
When I go to my favorite stores, I have a habit of doing an extra lap, just to make sure I didn’t forget anything. I’ll wander through those aisles at the dollar store one more time—because I just never know what I might have missed the first time around. I often do the same thing when I’m picking up my groceries—usually because I did miss something the first time around. But it’s a great way to get extra steps in any store: take an extra lap before you leave. Or, if you’re in a big store and don’t have time to walk the entire store a second time, walk back down an aisle or two instead.
Meeting Snack
If you need to connect with a coworker during the day, don’t just sit down in a conference room. Those one-on-one meetings can be walking meetings instead! Not only will you get some extra steps and some fresh air, but that extra movement will help you clear your head and brainstorm new ideas, too. You might be surprised by how much easier it is to work through challenges together while walking.
There are so many ways to fit in extra steps—even on the busiest of days. Have you made any of these a part of your daily routines?
Do you have other ideas for Walking Snacks? Let’s hear ‘em!
