Contradicting my Marine dad's advice

In the Marines, the presumption is that your time and efforts are being directed by someone whose prime concern is that you appear busy.

As a Sedentary Hacker Type, presumably you are the one directing your level of physical activity, and not missing an opportunity to move when the presumption is that you'll be static seems wise.

In both instances it seems the actual advice to follow is "do the opposite of what your boss would like to see," or "direct your own life as far as possible."