Over the years many "time & energy saving devices" have been invented to allow us to get our daily chores done quickly and with less effort. The problem is we have become so efficient that we now pay a price for it in declining health. One solution; look for ways to waste energy. No, I am not referring to "fossil fuel" energy, but our "human effort" energy.
Health and fitness expert Covert Bailey once said "Fit people waste their energy while unfit people save their energy." The trick is to find ways to waste your energy while carrying out your routines. "Human effort" energy is like time; you can't save it to use at a later date. The old saying says it best, "If you don't use it, you lose it." The following are 10 ways you can burn calories and get your tasks done by wasting some of your stored energy.
1. Mow your lawn with a push mower. Sell your power lawn mower (as long as you aren't mowing an acre) and get a push mower. You save "fossil fuel" energy, and mowing a lawn manually can take care of last night's dessert.
2. Use the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. Not only will you burn the fat but you will have the stairs all to yourself.
3. Walk or ride a bike to work if possible. A friend of mine works two blocks from home, yet he drives to work. If you commute and use a form of mass transit, don't depart at the nearest stop. Get off at the previous stop and walk the rest of the way.
4. Park and shop. What do most of us tend to do when we go shopping? We look for a place to park as close to the entrance as possible. Some of us are even willing to keep driving in circles until we find that cherished spot. Why not park away from everyone? You will find plenty of parking spaces and you will gain health benefits by walking the extra distance. An added benefit; your car is more likely to be spared from parking lot dings and dents.
5. Do your housework with vigor. Before you begin your chores, put on your favorite music with an upbeat tempo. Work at a much quicker pace than usual. Not only will you burn extra calories but you will also finish quicker.
6. Go for a walk. Take a friend, neighbor, co-worker or a dog (your's or a neighbors') and go for a brisk walk. Walking at a fast pace offers a variety of health benefits; it is a low impact form of exercise, it is convienient and it is free.
7. Wash your dishes by hand. By cleaning them manually and at a quick tempo, you consume calories and save on your electric bill.
8. Rake your leaves. Raking leaves at a vigorous pace for 20 minutes is the equivalent of running one mile.
9. Drink eight pints of ice water a day. According to "Mens Health" magazine, your body will expend 123 calories of heat daily to warm the water to body temperature. That amounts to losing a pound a month.
10. Eat breakfast. According to research at Duke University, those who skip breakfast eat more later and choose foods higher in fat and calories.
The bottom line: Look at the routines you currently maintain. See if you can find creative ways to continue doing what you already do, only with added health benefits. You will find it easier done than said.
Steve Kendall speaks and writes on how small adjustments in choices can produce big results. Steve can be contacted by email at Skendall1@aol.com or by phone at 510-758-1241