If we had an honest dictionary, the word exercise should be updated and defined as (1) a universal, recurrent New Year’s Resolution that is accomplished progressively less overtime and (2) an elusive word typically said after eating a big meal, but is usually overshadowed by temptations of dessert and other things-to-do. If it’s too hard to allot even 20 minutes of your day to exercise, why don’t we maximize your 8-to-5 to make it a little bit more physical? After all, an active body means a sharper mind (usually, anyway). So instead of spending your precious breaks cooped up in the corner numbingly browsing through social media, why not give these 8 calorie-burning tips a try?

1. Park farther than usual or get off your commute a few blocks away

Unless you’re already running late, it’s good to squeeze in a few extra meters of walking by parking your car farther than usual or getting off a bus or jeep stop a few blocks early. If you make this a daily ritual, you won’t only have svelte legs, but you’ll also develop the good habit of being early for work!

2. Eat out and eat healthy

Lunch should refresh you – and what better way to do that than by taking a leisurely stroll outside your office building and seeing a little sunshine? While you’ll probably find fast food to be the most accessible meal around, be a little bit more adventurous and dine in that new deli shop or lutong bahay type bistro a few extra meters away from the office.

3. Take the stairs between meetings

Most of us can’t stand waiting for the elevator and tend to fume silently when some sneaks take a roundtrip. But who likes taking the stairs? Ehem, yes you, if you want to feel less guilty about that fat slice of cake you had for dessert during lunch.

4. Get hand grips and unleash the stress!

While the calorie burn is pretty low, releasing the mental anguish caused by work is heavenly, and it keeps you from drowning in your favorite binge-eating-when-under-pressure habit. Added benefit? Instead of fighting the strong urge to hurl the stapler across the room towards your boss’ office, you can angrily mutter your frustrations whilst discreetly squeezing your gym-grade hand grips under your desk.

5. Go for frequent walks to the water cooler

We all know water is good, but once we are glued to the computer, it’s one of the first things we forget. Make it a habit to have a sip or two every few emails, and walk over to the water cooler from time to time to remove the strain from your eyes and get the blood pumping in your body, even if it’s a fairly short walk. Who knows, maybe you’ll catch the eye of the office cutie as you strut along the hallway too?

6. Stretch regularly

Stretching prevents fatigue, improves posture, and can be a quick way to reenergize your mind when you’ve already had one too many cups of coffee. Just make sure not to be too blatantly obvious and combining your stretches with no-holds-barred yawns that will raise your boss’ suspicions on your productivity at work.

7. Brisk walk whenever possible

Some may scoff at the hurried pace you seem to be leading your life, but people will totally commend you when you’re looking much more alert during the workday. Who knows, maybe the rest of the office will follow suit, and with the faster pace, everyone will have to do a little less OT or OTY.

8. Join the after-office sports activity

Since work consumes so much of our waking life, most of our social activities tend to surround it too. In the spirit of camaraderie and maybe even a little healthy competition, it might be fun to round up your #WorkSquad for an early evening jog or a game of basketball. Might just also be your chance to show off your other hidden talents!

Got any more tips? Share them with us below!