I’m at my desk 8 hours a day. Often, longer.
My body gets stiff when I don’t move enough.
I don’t have the time for the gym. Or money. Or the mental energy to add another thing to my calendar.
My house is a mess. The kids leave a trail of chaos.
So cleaning has become my workout.
When To Clean
I find cleaning helps when you hit a creative wall. Between client calls, or content uploads.
Think of it as movement breaks.
Often, a short physical break will help you see things in a new light.
Do Tasks By Energy Level
Do the high energy stuff like mopping and vacuuming in the morning.
As the day wears on, I usually feel less like doing physical work.
For the mid-afternoon slump, do easier tasks like wiping down surfaces, folding laundry, or loading the dishwasher.
Match the task to your energy.
Turn Your Cleaning Into Exercise
Vacuum in lunges.
One leg forward. Push through the front heel. Your quads will burn by the time you finish the living room.
Or, sweep your house with an old-fashioned broom. This will burn quite a few calories.
Picking something up? Full squat. Every. Single. Time.
Taking the stairs? Go two at a time.
Create The Right Environment
Put on music that makes you want to move.
Wear comfortable clothes. You’re more likely to want to continue.
Pair Cleaning With Exercise
Listen to industry podcasts while you clean.
Process ideas, or let your subconscious solve creative problems.
I often get the best ideas when I’m not at my desk.
Health Is Time And Wealth
Your work will be better, if you move more.
Your space will be cleaner. Your health will improve.
Plus you didn’t use “work time” to make this happen.
