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YOUR MINDSET MATTERS
Ari Affirmations
I build small habits that lead to big changes.
I choose movement that feels good & supports my well-being.
I create space in my busy day to honor my body.
 
Happy Tuesday, boo!
 
Have you been sitting a lot lately?
 
Yeah, me too - especially during a busy workday.
 
Between back-to-back Zoom calls, endless emails, conducting interviews for roles on my team (eeek!), and editing content – I feel like I've been glued to my seat.
 
But I was recently reminded that our bodies were not designed to be sitting this much. At all.
 
I came across an article that talked about sitting being the new smoking.
 
Whewwww.
 
Research shows that long periods of sitting can actually have a serious impact on our health and increases the risk of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, back pain, metabolic syndrome, deep vein thrombosis [and the list goes on].
 
I don't know about you, but this definitely had me like…
 
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How To Sit Less During the Day
 
I’m not here to tell you to throw your chair away or start running laps around your living room (unless you want, of course lol). Instead, I want to share some small, manageable habits I’ve been using to sneak movement into my day—habits that actually fit into a busy schedule.
 
1. Set a Timer
 
Yep - remind yourself to move. I use my phone, fitness tracker, or watch to set an alarm every 30 minutes. When it goes off, I stand up, walk around, or grab some water. Doesn't have to be too long. These mini-breaks often help me shake off that ā€œstuckā€ feeling and reenergize my body. If you’re like me and tend to get hyper-focused on work, setting a timer can be a game changer.
 
2. Stand Up
 
If you work at a desk, consider using one that’s adjustable. Alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day can reduce pressure on your lower back and increase circulation. Bonus: Standing while you work often helps you feel more engaged and alert during meetings or focus-heavy tasks.
 
3. Sit on a Medicine Ball
 
When sitting is unavoidable, switch out your chair for a medicine ball. It’s a great way to engage your core muscles while improving posture and reducing slouching. Plus, it adds a little extra movement to your day without requiring any extra time.
 
4. Walk and Talk
 
Not all meetings require a screen! For calls where you don’t need to be on video, grab your headphones and take a walk. Walking while working boosts creativity, clears your mind, and sneaks in steps. If heading outside isn’t an option, pace around your home or office. Oh, and under-desk treadmills are a super plus!
 
5. Take the Stairs
 
This one’s a classic for a reason: Skip the elevator whenever possible and take the stairs instead. It’s a simple, effective way to get your heart pumping during the day—and those extra steps add up over time.
 

This Week's Challenge
 
Pick one habit from the list above and commit to it for the next seven days. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just focus on moving a little more and sitting a little less.
 
Remember, these small changes add up. You got this, boo!
 

 
Ready to hit pause and prioritize YOU in 2025? Check out my women’s wellness retreats in Costa Rica and Bali—spots are limited.
 
Have a great week!
 
Ariel Belgrave, CPT
Certified Health & Fitness Coach
Stress Management Specialist
Board Member, Women's Health Mag
Under Armour Athlete
P.S. I encourage you to forward this email to someone who could use this wisdom (sharing is caring!)
 
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