Your essential guide on how to stay fit during your 9-5.

The time has come to get back to work after a blissful period of indulging in mince pies, mulled wine and box sets. Returning to routine is inevitable, and doesn’t have to be a shock to the system.

The start of the year is a hopeful time, full of fresh starts and eager attitudes. You don’t have to jump right into the deep end with 6am gym classes and questionable green juices. You can take some simple steps in your everyday routine to ease your way into a fit 2017. We wouldn’t want you to overdo it now would we?

Walk the walk

Walk as much as possible. If walking to work is too much too soon, why not hop off the Luas or bus a stop earlier. Or going for a nice stroll on your lunch break. This will give you a productivity boost when you return to your desk and that brand new Fitbit you got for Christmas will thank you.

Move it move it

We can all get so engrossed in a task that you find yourself sitting for hours on end, but it’s important to designate some time to getting up and moving around the office. Rather than calling or emailing a colleague get up and walk over to them – bonus points if that means taking the stairs.

Group goals

You know what’s a great motivator when trying to keep fit? A bit of healthy competition. Why not sign your office up for an upcoming fun run, you can raise money for a local charity while also bonding as a team. You could also organise a running group for your colleagues in the lead up to the big day.

Sitting not so pretty

For many of us desk jockeys we sit, slouched over our keyboards for the majority of our working day. This is not only bad for posture but can also having a lasting effect on your neck and spine. We aren’t suggesting you bounce around on a yoga ball all day, but how about investing in sit to stand desks so you can shake up your daily routine?

Always be prepared

Ensure that you always have your gym gear or at least some trainers at your desk, this means that if you feel like that yoga class after work or on your lunch break you have no excuses. If the sun’s out, you might decide to walk the scenic route home or go for a run before calling it a day.

Let’s be honest, none of these will have you winning marathons but they will certainly help you keep an active body and mind throughout the day. Team these simple steps with regular workouts and eating right, and you will be your best self by the time we ring in 2018.