The Benefits of 10,000 Steps a Day: A Personal Journey and Community Effort

The goal of 10,000 steps a day has long been identified as a key to better health and wellness. A few years ago, I was able to maintain a six-month streak of hitting 10,000 steps daily. I wrote about this on my personal blog (Click here).  I experienced the transformative benefits of regular walking, and I learned a lot about myself during the journey. However, as life took over, I abandoned the effort and, until just recently, was able to get back into the routine. I am on a fresh two-week streak, and I've rediscovered the joy of early morning walks and the occasional evening walk to meet the goal. 

Walking 10,000 steps a day is a goal designed to get you moving. For some it may seem like a far off destination but for others, you may find that it is easily achievable. No matter where you are starting, you will find that the benefits of walking 10,000 steps a day will transform your mindset while also gaining valuable benefits from your energy, weight and even sleep. 

Here are some of the benefits:

Improved Health: When you are walking consistently, you will see results in many areas. As for your physical health, you could see a reduction in blood pressure and a decrease in cholesterol. 

Enhanced Mental Awareness: The rhythm of walking is identified as a "grounding" exercise which can connect you to your body as opposed to being stuck in your mind. 

Weight Management: Walking can burn  up to 300 - 500 calories a day. If you are consistently hitting 10,000 steps, you could be inspired to branch out to other fitness activities.  

Increased Energy Levels: Let's face it, who doesn't want more energy? By starting the day with a walk you are getting precious Vitamin D which has been found to increase your energy. .

Better Quality Sleep:I tend to struggle with sleep and I often wake up in the middle of the night riddled with racing thoughts and anxiety. As I find myself walking more, I notice a much more restful sleep, and even sleeping through the night. 

Make it a Community Collaboration: At RM Bacon School, where I am Principal, we've embraced the benefits of walking through our Healthy Schools Initiative. Staff are encouraged to walk during recess and their prep periods, making it a part of our daily routine. In March, we launched a walking initiative that far exceeded our expectations.  As a staff, we logged 1,500 miles! Even the students joined in and walked with us! 

This simple activity was able to bring us together as a staff.  We have been very purposeful to make walking normal at the school. We encouraged everyone to bring sneakers in and keep them at the school to use. We invite each other to go on walks. Starting next year, we are planning to try a Walking Staff Meeting. All of this is an excellent way to make walking a priority. The staff were able to use this time walking to chat with staff and students, which helped accomplish a lot. 

As I continue my journey, hitting 10,000 steps daily, I invite you to join me. Whether it's an early morning, evening, or finding moments throughout the day to move, every step counts. So make every step count. Also, if you miss a day or two along your journey, that is ok. Sometimes life will get in the way and just know that there is always tomorrow. 

Be sure to share your journey with this effective activity!