Even small increases in your activity level can boost your overall well-being

By Hannah Flahr, Regulate The Responder

Shift work is characterized as work outside the period of 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The variability of shift work can cause disruptions in homeostasis (a state of balance), leading to adverse health outcomes. High blood pressure, sleep disturbances and unfavorable changes in body composition are common repercussions associated with shift work.

It has been well documented that physical activity can mitigate some of the adverse health effects of shift work. Despite the evidence, many shift workers fail to achieve the recommended physical activity guidelines (150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic physical activity per week). Fatigue and lack of time are reported as the primary barriers to participating in physical activity, along with lack of access and lack of motivation.

Fortunately, evidence suggests that even small increases in physical activity levels can improve sleep, elevate mood and lower blood pressure. If you’re looking to incorporate more physical activity into your week, try implementing one of these strategies shared by fellow shift workers:…