10,000 steps seems like it's hard, but it is 100% doable in one day. These steps aren't just for weight loss either. They help your overall health! If you're struggling to find the time, try to get up even 15 minutes earlier in the morning to get a head start.
Stepping for Overall Health
Walking is a very underrated health tool. Here are some things that 10,000 steps can do!
- Promotes weight loss: 10,000 steps averages to 5 miles a day. This gets the body moving. The average person who works a 9-5 job and then goes home after, only steps about 2,500 steps per day. This is NOT enough for our bodies!!
- Improves sleep: With that extra body movement, it gives the body time to exert energy, which will make it easier to fall asleep in the evening. When the body has pent up energy, it's harder to calm down and sleep.
- Improves blood pressure: The more active you are, the easier it is for your heart to pump blood. The easier it is, the lower your blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause other health complications so having it at a steady level is great!
- Decreases anxiety and/or depression: Walking helps clear the mind which gives the mind time to heal. Walking, especially in nature, helps decrease anxiety or depression. If you have a safe area, like a beach or grassy park, try walking barefoot. Walking barefoot helps us absorb negative ions from the earth. Negative ions help increase oxygen flow, among other things.
Xx,
Kim Shapira RD