WHAT:
This habit is about taking the stairs at every opportunity presented to you.
WHY:
Every small choice that we make is a vote for what kind of person we want to be.
When you choose to take the stairs rather than the escalator or lift, it helps to reinforce your self-identity as “I’m the kind of person who takes the stairs”. It casts another for your identity as someone who actively chooses healthier options, which can lead to a cascade of other positive health behaviours.
Beyond that identity shift, taking the stairs is a simple yet powerful way to incorporate more physical activity into your daily life. You’ll be contributing to both your cardiovascular health and muscle strength and endurance.
Small daily choices like this add up over time.
HOW:
It’s pretty simple, every time you’re presented with the opportunity to take either the stairs or an escalator/lift, choose to take the stairs.
If you’re not used to taking the stairs, you might want to start small and begin with just one flight of stairs and gradually increase.
Common sense must still prevail, we don’t expect you to take the stairs up to the 20th floor of your office. But at the shops? Take the stairs. At the airport? Take the stairs. Are there only escalators or travelators available? Still, climb those moving stairs or walk that travelling conveyor belt rather than standing still.
TIPS:
✅ Each time you’re presented with the choice of taking the stairs or not, think about what kind of person you want to “vote” to become with your daily actions.
✅ Give yourself a quiet little congratulations or mental high-five every time you make the choice of taking the stairs.
✅ Make a public commitment by telling your friends/family/coworkers you’re with that you’ve committed to only taking the stairs whenever possible and use that for accountability.