2025.04.02

Sparkling days for longer. Science has taught us the best secrets

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Hello everyone, I would like to talk about the wonderful benefits of walking. I would like to delve deeper into the appeal of "walking" in more detail and more practical content. Even for us women, who tend to put off taking care of ourselves in our busy lives, I am sure that everyone has the desire to spend every day with a smile on their faces, both physically and mentally. Today, I would like to explain to you more specifically and more deeply the habit of "walking" that is easy to incorporate into your daily life. Combining scientifically based information with practical advice, we will provide you with tips to make your daily life shine.

Article Contents

Get healthy and smile! Walking

Get healthy and smile! Walking

Why is the number of steps taken a barometer of health?

First, let's take a closer look at why steps can be a barometer of our health.

Our bodies are designed to be affected by various positive influences by moving. In particular, it has been scientifically proven that the act of walking has the effect of using the muscles of the whole body, promoting blood circulation, and strengthening the heart and blood vessels.

And it has been found that walking is not just an "exercise", but also has a positive effect on our mind. Walking in nature is refreshing and stress-relieving. Walking is also thought to help activate the brain and maintain cognitive function.

In other words, an increase in the number of steps taken is an indicator that our physical and mental health is moving in the right direction.

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Certainly, the number of steps you take is a barometer of your health, and you can learn from it.

What is the scientific basis for the goal of 8,000 steps a day?

Where did the figure "8,000 steps a day" come from? It is a number that serves as a guideline derived as a result of a comprehensive analysis of the results of numerous studies.

These studies examined the association between steps taken and various health indicators, including risk of death, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. They found that people who walked about 8,000 steps a day tended to have a lower risk of these.

Of course, this is just average data and may not apply to everyone. Depending on the individual's age, gender, physical fitness, medical history, etc., the optimal number of steps will vary.

However, as many studies suggest, walking about 8,000 steps a day is undoubtedly one of the most effective ways to maintain our health and extend our healthy life expectancy.

Concrete steps to achieve 8,000 steps

From here, I will explain in more detail the specific steps to actually achieve 8,000 steps.

Step 1: Start by understanding the current situation

Start by figuring out how many steps you're walking per day.

Make use of smartphone apps: Many smartphones now have a pedometer function. You can also download a dedicated app to see even more detailed data.
Specific examples of apps: Google Fit, Apple Health, health apps from each manufacturer, etc.
If you want to try an activity tracker or measure your steps more accurately, an activity tracker is the way to go.
Specific product examples: Fitbit, Garmin, Xiaomi Mi Band, etc.
Keep a handwritten record: If you are not good at smartphones or activity trackers, you can use a handwritten record. Even just writing down the number of steps you take or recording the time you walk every day can increase your awareness.
By visualizing points and records, it is easy to get a sense of accomplishment and maintain motivation.
Keeping track of your steps for a few days can help you understand where you are and set goals.

Step 2: Incorporate walking into your daily life

Next, let's consciously incorporate "walking" into our daily lives.

Be creative when commuting to work or school

If you use public transportation, you can get off and walk before one station, or you can earn a lot of steps just by getting off and walking before the station you usually use.
If you're commuting by bike, take a slightly detoured path, which is different from the one you usually take. There may be new discoveries.
Actively use stairs - Use stairs as much as possible, not elevators or escalators.

Get creative when shopping

Use a supermarket that can be reached on foot or by bicycle・If you walk to a supermarket a little farther away and go shopping, you can naturally earn steps.
You can increase the number of times you walk by not buying heavy luggage at once or by going shopping multiple times.

Get creative at work

Even if you go for a short walk or take a walk around your workplace during your break, you can change your mood.
Be conscious of walking around the office, Take a short detour, such as when you go to get copies or materials.

Be creative when doing housework

When hanging laundry, move your body a little・When drying laundry, try walking with a little stride or incorporating flexion and extension movements.
When cleaning, if you move your body while playing music and listening to music, you can improve the effect of exercising.

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I don't like exercising, but it may be a good thing to walk while being creative in my daily life
Practice.

Step 3: Let's devise ways to "enjoy" walking

Don't think of walking as just an exercise, but as a fun time.

Listen to your favorite music - Listen to your favorite music while walking to boost your mood.
If you choose a point uptempo song or a song by your favorite artist, you can have fun walking.
If you want to listen to audiobooks and podcasts and deepen your knowledge, listen to audiobooks and podcasts as you walk.
Points: If you choose a genre that interests you, you can enjoy learning.
Enjoy the scenery by walking on a different path or walking along a park or river.
Points・ By making new discoveries and feeling the change of seasons, the mind is healed.
If you walk with friends or family, or if you walk with someone, you can enjoy chatting and having fun.
Walking with people who share your interests or who are interested in your health can help you stay motivated.
Set a reward: Once you've achieved your goal, set a reward for yourself.
If you choose points and healthy rewards, you can motivate yourself even more. For example, eating healthy sweets or buying new clothes.

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If you are conscious of having fun, walking may be the best, and I will practice it.

Step 4: Let's focus on the quality of walking

It's not just about getting steps, it's also about the quality of your walking.

Walk with the right posture, keep your back straight, pull your chin back, and walk as if you are looking into the distance.
Walking with a wide swing of the arms and swinging the arms greatly will increase the effect of full-body exercise.
Walking a little briskly and walking at a speed that raises your breath a little will improve your cardiopulmonary function.
Walking with a slightly wider stride and slightly widening your stride can help you use your muscles effectively.
It is also important to choose shoes that are comfortable to walk in. Shoes that are cushioned and fit your feet are recommended.

Step 5: Don't overdo it, keep going.

The most important thing is not to overdo it and to keep going.

Don't try too hard from the start: Start with 3,000 steps a day and gradually increase it.
If you are not feeling well, take a break, and if you are not feeling well, do not overdo it.
Be conscious of continuing to do it every day, and make it a habit to walk every day, even if it's just a little.
You can stay motivated by setting goals and getting a sense of accomplishment and setting goals.
By looking back on your records and looking back on your records, you can feel your growth and feel motivated to work even harder.

In addition to walking, healthy lifestyle habits are also important

Walking has a positive impact on our health, but it's not the whole story. In order to live a healthy life, you need to pay attention to many other things besides walking.
Try to eat a balanced diet and a nutritionally balanced diet.
Eat a well-balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, and protein.

Get enough sleep every day 。

Tip・ It is also important to take measures to improve the quality of sleep, such as setting aside time to relax before going to bed.
Stress management: Find a stress relief method that works for you so that you don't accumulate stress.
Tips: Try different ways to exercise, hobbies, or relaxation.
Get regular health checkups and regular health checkups to understand the condition of your body.
Points: Early detection and treatment are important. By combining these elements in a balanced way, you can live a healthier life.

Finally, a message to you

The act of "walking" is nothing special. It is a very familiar act that blends naturally into our daily lives. However, hidden in these familiar actions is a great power that supports our health and brightens the future.

Why don't you experience the magic of walking today? By effortlessly, having fun, and continuing to do so, your daily life will surely shine even brighter.