The Small Stuff...

Sure, a lot of fitness is about the big stuff—getting in the cardio and the lifting.  But little stuff can make a big difference, too.  Here are some small things that don’t take a long time that can help us without using up a lot of time.  We tend to skip them, but it’s really worth the few minutes of investment.

• Floss.  Yeah, it’s not fun at first with the bleeding and all, but life is better with teeth.  It takes less than five minutes to do.

• Roll.  At the end of the workout, we often want to head straight for the shower.  We don’t want to take any extra steps or get down on the floor one more time.  Until we get used to it, rolling hurts as we untangle the knots in our muscles.  Then, after we’re used to it, we feel a little guilty “wasting” time on something that feels so good.  Less tightness in our muscles and greater range of motion are worth the few minutes of investment.

• Pack a lunch.  A few minutes of organizational work in the morning can make the difference between getting our healthy veggies in and a face full of fries.  It’s also cheaper, which is better for our financial fitness.  For bonus points, weather permitting, we can eat our lunch outside in the fresh air.

• Breathe.  Fine.  I know we actually do this all the time.  But pausing to focus on our breath for a few minutes a few times a day can help reduce our stress and calm our minds.

• Hug.  Contact is essential for healthy humans.  (Get consent first, of course!)  Wrap your arms around your spouse or kid or dog or buddy and hang out for thirty seconds.  Everyone will feel better afterwards.