Ever wondered if ten thousand steps a day really makes a difference? Is your stepping stone to a healthier and happier life really just – more steps? Or, if being solely focused on hitting a step goal will go miles to changing your life? Well, take a breather while you stroll through this article, where we discuss the true impacts and importance of daily and regular walking.

It’s important to note that although it may be more alluring to set as a benchmark on a pedometer, most people do not require ten thousand steps a day to live a healthy life. According to an article published by Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health Experts note that in reality, a far fewer quantity of steps may be enough to improve your health. Simply put, increasing the number of steps we currently take from our “baseline” by a thousand or more, may be more viable, and even healthier. According to the New York Times, studies conducted at Harvard University found that women in their 70s who reached only 4,400 steps a day decreased their risk of premature death by approximately 40%. This, in comparison to women who only walked 2,700 steps a day. Said risk decreased even more in women who walked 5,000 steps, and leveled out at around 7,500 steps. Another article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that there is a direct correlation between a higher number of steps taken in a day and a resultant decrease in mortality. These factors are only some of many that improve when subjected to a healthy walking schedule. 

According to an article published in 2016, those who walked 10,000 steps a day experienced decreased anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion. At the same time, those individuals similarly experienced lower body weight, blood pressure (BP), and body mass index (BMI). Added to that, the effects of walking regularly on mental health are well documented, with connections to both access to fresh air and exercise stimulation. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 150 minutes a week spent doing physical activity (30 minutes a day for 5 days a week) is the ideal amount of time to maintain a happier and healthier lifestyle. This figure is in addition to what an individual already walks, known as their baseline. 

So, what are some ways we can increase the amount of time we spend walking every week? Experts recommend setting a regimen, a time outside your normal day-to-day to go on a walk with family and friends, even your dog. Setting a routine makes keeping up with walking more viable, as it, over time, becomes more and more of a norm, and less of a chore. According to the Mayo Clinic, simple changes such as parking your car further from work, walking while being on a phone call, taking the stairs instead of elevators, and including family, are all good ways to set some time aside for physical and mental well-being. 

So, next time you want to drive down the street to pick up some groceries or find yourself having some free time on your hands, make a plan to spend some time walking. All it takes is a step in the right direction.