How To Sculpt Your Best Self In The Concrete Jungle

City living is a dream for many people. The allure of countless entertainment options along with a diverse array of restaurant choices creates a fun, fast-paced lifestyle. Not to mention, cities are a place with the ultimate clash of cultures–you can meet people from all around the world. Yet this lifestyle can have its drawbacks. It’s important to prioritize your fitness and physical well-being when you’re wrapped up in the “hustle and bustle” of city life, but it doesn’t have to be an added stressor.

Transform Your Commute Into A Calorie-Burning Adventure

The easiest way to embrace an active lifestyle in the city is utilizing the commute to work. A shift in mindset can make the commute a time of day one can’t wait to get to, especially if you want to prioritize fitness.

Once you’ve formed the habit of walking to work, upping the pace is recommended as it can help burn anywhere from 150-200 calories in 30 minutes. Try mixing it up with longer routes to and from work. If you find yourself waiting a crosswalk, don’t just stand still: stretch it out, bust out some jumping jacks or pushups, and stay active. These small, incremental changes will burn more and more calories over time, especially if you stay consistent.

Harness The Power Of Micro Workouts

When we think of a workout, we tend to think of rigorous body movements over an extended period of time. This can discourage someone who is busy all the time, leaving feeling helpless and lost. But it doesn’t have to be that way! You shouldn’t have to feel too busy for fitness, but also you need to know fitness is what you make it.

Micro workouts are exactly as they sound: they’re a workout that takes place in a short, small burst of time. They can be anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes long. If you lean on the longer side, a few micro workouts quickly add up to the length of a traditional workout.

They key is to sprinkle these micro workouts into your day whenever you have down time. You can try walking around your space during a phone conversation or utilizing some body weight exercises in between meetings. Whichever strategy you choose, it’s most important to stay consistent. This can work wonders for your body lifestyle.

Create Your Urban Oasis

In order to sculpt your best self you also need a space where you feel comfortable, a place you can relax after a day in your busy lifestyle. After all, when you’re searching for new experiences, trying different types of food, meeting new people, hustling at your job, and squeaking in workouts in between, you’re going to feel tired.

Your urban oasis can even be a traditional gym setting.

Your urban oasis can obviously be within your private dwelling or somewhere you consider special within the city. Whatever you choose, dedicate a small portion of time on reflection and gratitude. Develop some affirmations, journal, or even start a hobby. This can drastically reduce your stress.