Suggestion: jog instead of walk
A bit of background: my manager literally runs around the office when she needs something so she can return to her desk asap. While watching her one day I thought about trying my own experiment of jogging from place to place.
I chose jogging instead of running as I figured the expenditure of energy and anaerobic respiration required for a full on run/sprint would take too much energy for the seconds saved and distance traveled, while jogging would feel a more natural transition of energy and still save some time.
So far, the only ‘drawback’ I’ve seen is the occasional confused look from a passerby (truthfully though, most people don’t seem to care). Comparing this to the increase of overall energy and positive emotion I’ve felt, it’s been well worth it. There also might be times and places where jogging would be inappropriate, so use discretion of course.
Also, you don’t have to start out with jogging right away! I run daily anyway so that’s why I transitioned right away. You could start with a brisker walk and work your way up.
If you do try it out, please feel free to let me know how it works out for you! :)
You’re more likely to run into people if you are jogging around the office like your boss. Causing even one incident involving hot coffee would yield lots of negative utility. You’d go from “That fun, goofy guy who jogs around the office” to “That reckless, inconsiderate asshat who spilled scalding coffee on Dave”.
I always try to park far away in large parking lots (burns calories and less chance of door dings) and sometimes jog to the front door. Maybe I get mood boost?
One other consideration is sweating. You’re more likely to sweat if you jog any distance vs. just walking. Often not a big deal depending on your attire and agenda.
Re: running into people—that’s why I included the comment on discretion. In my office, there’s not a lot of traffic and when you’re around where people get coffee you can see what’s going on.
I did not consider sweating; valid point. Balance and discretion, again. If you’re not in a position where you can comfortably feel sweaty with little repercussion, walk.
Spirit of the law vs. letter of the law, kind of thing. Thanks for the points!
If jogging isn’t convenient, then you can still walk faster.
Whatever your ‘natural’ pace is, you can easily up it if you consciously try. I guarantee it. Downside is, once you get used to it you’ll start to get annoyed at all the slowpokes who seem to think they’ll live forever.
It is kind of hard for those of us who are overweight. I’m not as fat as I used to be, but I’m still not exactly thin. If I move at anything more than a glacial pace I sweat. Once I’m sweating I’ll be gross till I shower. Can’t jog around the office. I do walk home, so I could change that to jogging. There is already a shower at the end of that.
As I mentioned in my other comment, sweating is a valid concern. If you’re not in a position where you can sweat, don’t sweat it (you can groan at that one, I won’t blame you).
I think trying to jog home would be good! Maybe start with timed intervals of walking and jogging. :)
Also, in some situations it is profitable to walk instead of wait. (Where I live, the bus schedule allows me, for example, to board one at 12.50 or the next one at 14.00, or to walk about 2 km to a stop where I can board a different bus at 13.30. Walking isn’t always the best choice, but often it is.)