Image item
 
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 ā€“ 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 likeā€¦
 
Image item
 
How To Sit Less During the Day
 
Iā€™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 Iā€™ve been using to sneak movement into my dayā€”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 youā€™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 thatā€™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. Itā€™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 donā€™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 isnā€™t an option, pace around your home or office. Oh, and under-desk treadmills are a super plus!
 
5. Take the Stairs
 
This oneā€™s a classic for a reason: Skip the elevator whenever possible and take the stairs instead. Itā€™s a simple, effective way to get your heart pumping during the dayā€”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 doesnā€™t have to be perfectā€”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 womenā€™s wellness retreats in Costa Rica and Baliā€”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!)
 
Instagram
Facebook
Pinterest
LinkedIn
L Street NE
Washington, DC 20002, United States