A couple of months back, my daily step count fluctuated between 1,000 and 3,000 steps. There were days when I hardly moved at all, spending long hours hunched over my laptop and clocking in only 500 steps. It was rather dismal, I must admit. Therefore, when I decided to take on a 10,000-step challenge for the month of March, I initially felt overwhelmed. How could I commit to achieving 10,000 steps daily when I had only managed 514 steps the day before? 🩺SIGN UP to receive tips on maintaining health and fitness, including top exercises, nutritious eating habits, health trends, and more, directly to your inbox twice a week💊After some trial and error during the first two weeks of my 10,000-step challenge, I stumbled upon a simple hack. This method proved to be so effective that I continue to implement it today to ensure I hit at least 7,000 steps, even on hectic days. As a health writer, I aim to share this tip with everyone to encourage an active lifestyle.Related: New Research Debunks Common Myth Regarding Aging and Muscle RecoveryHow I Reached 10,000 Steps a DayHave you ever felt overwhelmed by the amount of tasks on your plate and the limited time available? If your aim is to increase your daily steps, follow these three steps:1. Stand for one minuteMake a conscious effort to break a common habit shared by many of us: mindlessly scrolling on our phones right after waking up. Acknowledge the fact that a few minutes of this behavior could easily extend to half an hour spent in bed. This time could be better utilized by taking those initial steps of the day. Upon waking up, I pushed myself to stand for a minute. I discovered that a mere minute of standing helped me shake off my drowsiness and prevented me from falling back asleep or getting lost in my phone.Related: Debunking the 10,000-Step Myth: The True Number Your Body Needs2. Walk for the first 30 minutes of your dayResist the temptation to immediately dive into checking emails and preparing for the day once you’re up and about. Instead, allocate the first half-hour of your morning to walking. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll around your neighborhood or pacing back and forth in your living space, give yourself this “me-time” to get your body moving before settling into a sedentary work routine. A brisk walk during this time typically added around 2,500 steps for me. While I often strolled slowly with my morning coffee, I managed to accumulate 1,200 to 2,000 steps before 7:30 AM—bringing me closer to my 10,000-step target for the day.This morning walk not only provided a physical boost but also left me mentally invigorated and motivated to tackle my daily tasks.Related: Top Experts Recommend This #1 Strategy for Maint
I had already achieved around 5,000 to 6,000 steps, so reaching 10,000 steps didn’t feel daunting since I was halfway there. Being aware that I was 50% through calmed me down and allowed me to complete my steps at a comfortable pace, instead of rushing to finish at the last minute or giving up altogether. Although my 10,000-step challenge has ended, I still utilize this approach to prevent being sedentary all day. Even as I conclude this article, I intend to stand up and take a five to 10-minute walk. I encourage you to do the same. Next: Related: This Simple Technique Can Motivate You to Exercise Sources Rx for Prolonged Sitting: Take a Five-Minute Walk Every 30 Minutes. Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
