Happy Tuesday, boo!

 

I challenge you to do this every day this week…

 

Go for a walk.

 

Taking a stroll might not seem like a big deal, but trust me, it can make a huge difference in your life. It has the power to lower your risk of early death by 25%. #justsayin

 

How many steps should you aim to walk?

 

You're probably expecting me to say, "Walk 10,000 steps a day, First name / boo." 

 

Nope. Nah. No ma'am.

 

It's only right that I spill the tea on where that number actually came from.

 

 

It started after a Japanese company, Yamasa Clock, had a genius marketing campaign in the 1960s after launching a pedometer they called "Manpo-kei," which translates to "10,000 steps meter."

 

They used ‘10,000 steps’ as a marketing tool and it became their slogan because it was trendy, catchy and easy for consumers to remember.

 

And it worked. The campaign and product were such a success that the 10,000-step goal became the norm around the world to this day. 

 

No science. No research. Just a dope marketing campaign.

 

So, instead of me pressuring you to go from 0 →100 to hit the 10,000 steps magic number, here's what I will encourage you to do instead: 

 

Start walking 2,000 more steps than your current daily step average. Then, gradually bump it up from there.

 

If you currently walk 3,000 steps a day, aim for 5,000.

If you currently walk 5,000 steps a day, aim for 7,000.

If you currently walk 7,000 steps a day, aim for 9,000.

 

Starting small and gradually increasing your steps is the key to making walking a sustainable habit.

 

Because walking is top-tier and SO underrated. Here are some benefits of walking that you may not hear about often…

 

It can boost your creativity. Ever notice how your best ideas seem to pop up out of nowhere while you're out for a stroll? Walking can actually stimulate creativity and help you think more clearly. So the next time you're feeling stuck, take a walk and let those creative juices flow, boo!

 

It can improve your mood. Feeling stressed or anxious? Walking can help with that, too! It releases feel-good endorphins that can lift your spirits and leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.

 

It can enhance your digestion. Yup, it's true. Walking after a meal can help your body better digest your food and prevent that dreaded post-meal slump. 

 

It can improve your sleep. Regular walking can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle, leading to better quality sleep at night. So if you're struggling to catch those Zzzs, consider adding more steps to your daily routine..

 

Yes. Especially if you sit a lot during the day. I encourage you to spend a few minutes warming up the parts of the body that you'll use during a walk. I shared some of these moves on Good Morning America last year. 

 

Check it out and give it a try!

 

Take the Stairs: Skip the elevator and take the stairs whenever you can. It's a simple way to sneak in some extra steps and get your heart pumping.

 

Park Farther Away: Instead of fighting for the closest parking spot, park a bit farther away and power walk to the entrance.

 

Get off a stop early: If you take public transportation, get off a stop early and walk the rest of the way. It's a great way to squeeze in some extra steps and enjoy some fresh air.

 

Set Reminder Alarms: Sometimes, we just need a little reminder to get moving. Set alarms on your phone or smartwatch to prompt you to take short walking breaks throughout the day.

 

Walk During Phone Calls: Got a long phone call scheduled? Strap on your headphones and hit the pavement (or treadmill!) while you chat. 

 

Explore Your Neighborhood: Take a different route on your daily errands or explore a new neighborhood. You'll be surprised at what you discover while getting in those steps.

 

Join a Walking Group: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals by joining a walking group or club. It's a fun way to stay motivated and accountable.

 

Walk Your Furry Friend: If you have a furry friend at home, take them for a walk around the block. Not only will you both benefit from the exercise, but you'll also strengthen your bond with your pet.

 

Schedule Walking Meetings: Instead of meeting for coffee or lunch, suggest a walking meeting instead. It's a refreshing change of scenery and can lead to more productive discussions.

 

Break It Up: No need to carve out a big chunk of time for a walk. Break it up into smaller chunks throughout the day – 10 minutes here, 15 minutes there. It all adds up!

 

Remember, every step counts!

 

Have a great week!