banner image

How 10,000 steps a day can help reduce stress and improve mood.

Here are five benefits of daily walking:

  1. Improved Cardiovascular Health: Walking regularly strengthens your heart, reduces blood pressure, and lowers the risk of heart disease by improving circulation and cholesterol levels.
  2. Enhanced Mental Well-being: A daily walk can boost your mood, reduce stress, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression by triggering the release of endorphins, your brain's natural feel-good chemicals.
  3. Weight Management: Walking burns calories, helping you maintain or achieve a healthy weight, especially when paired with a balanced diet. It’s a low-impact way to stay active.
  4. Stronger Muscles and Bones: It engages your legs, core, and even upper body if you swing your arms, promoting muscle tone and bone density, which can help prevent osteoporosis as you age.
  5. Better Sleep Quality: Regular walking can regulate your sleep patterns, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper rest, especially if you walk earlier in the day.

It’s a simple habit with big payoffs! How far do you usually walk when you get out there? Let's use me as a case study.  

In 2024 I made a goal to walk 10,000 steps a day for an entire year.  With the exception of one day when I got 9,950 before the clock struck midnight and reset my watch to zero steps.  In that year I lost about 2 inches on my waste, my sleep quality improved dramatically and my relationship with my dog was better than it has even been.  I also learned a lot from the books and podcasts that I would listen to while walking.  And it gave me time to think about and process all of the stress I went through on a daily basis.  Socially I felt more connected with my friends and family especially my younger brother who I started golfing with once a week. So if you're struggling with mental illness, physical illness, or are just feeling stressed and overwhelmed try a walk or two and see what it can do. Thanks for reading. 

Vic Myers LCPC 

also if you are interested in therapy please call our office at 208-922-2207 and inquire about our services.