The NEAT Lifestyle
Published 2023-04-23 by Louise Moorey
Share |
Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis, or NEAT, is a term that refers to the energy we expend through activities that aren’t exercise, sleeping, or eating. NEAT includes activities such as cleaning, shopping, and fidgeting. While a workout is so beneficial for your health, it’s only a small part of your day. Staying as active as possible during the rest of the day can result in higher energy expenditure, which can have a significant impact on your health and may help if you have a fat loss goal.
The good news is that there are many simple and easy ways to increase your NEAT and get the health benefits of a more active lifestyle.
Here are 8 tips to help you get started:
1. Walk more. Finding ways to walk a little more each day can be a great way to increase your NEAT. Walking to work, walking to the shop instead of driving or pacing while you’re on the phone are all simple ways to add more steps to your day.
2. Stand more often. If you have a desk job, try to stand for at least 5 minutes each hour. If you have access to a standing desk, use it to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day.
3. Take the stairs. Whenever possible, take the stairs instead of the lift or escalators. This is a great way to add more movement to your day and increase your NEAT.
4. Track your steps. Tracking your step count with a pedometer or fitness tracker can be a great way to stay motivated to move more. Start by checking how many steps you’re already taking each day, and then try to increase that number by 1,000 steps per day.
5. Have some fun! Playing with your kids, walking the dog, going on a bike ride, or doing other fun activities can all be great ways to increase your NEAT while having fun at the same time.
6. Do household chores. Cleaning, washing dishes, vacuuming, and other household chores are all great ways to increase your NEAT. Plus, you’ll have a cleaner home. It’s a win-win!
7. Take active breaks at work. Instead of sitting at your desk during breaks, take a quick walk around the office or do some stretching exercises.
8. Do some work in the garden. Gardening and yard work can be a great way to get some movement and you get all the health benefits from being outdoors too.
Increasing your NEAT doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. Simply finding ways to move more throughout the day can have a big impact on your overall health and well-being. They may seem like small changes but they all add up. So why not try incorporating some of these ideas into your daily routine and see how much better you feel?