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It's the day after Thanksgiving. You loved the big meal (meals?). With leftovers calling your from the refrigerator, being active might feel like a burden. The American Heart Association wants to help.

The AHA published a short essay titled: “Get Moving: Easy Tips to Get Active!” They start by advocating walking, but the tips go further, covering home, work and play, including:

Home

• Do housework yourself instead of hiring someone else to do it.
• Go out for a short walk before breakfast, after dinner or both! Start with 5-10 minutes and work up to 30 minutes.
• Walk or bike to the corner store instead of driving.
• Stand up while talking on the telephone.
• Walk the dog.
• Park farther away at the shopping mall and walk the extra distance. Wear your walking shoes and sneak in an extra lap or two around the mall.

Work

• Brainstorm project ideas with a coworker while taking a walk.
• Walk during business calls when you don't need to reference important documents.
• Stand while talking on the telephone.
• Walk down the hall to speak with someone rather than using the telephone.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Or get off a few floors early and take the stairs the rest of the way.
• Walk while waiting for the plane at the airport.

Play

• Plan family outings and vacations that include physical activity (hiking, backpacking, swimming, etc.)
• See the sights in new cities by walking, jogging or bicycling.
• Make a date with a friend to enjoy your favorite physical activities.
• Play your favorite music while exercising; enjoy something that motivates you.