Information on how and why you should have a goal of 10,000 steps or more each and every day.

10,000 Steps To A Healthier You

Although not working in an office at a regular job anymore, I do work at home on various volunteer commitments and find myself behind my computer or in a seat reading what needs to be planned and reviewed. What I have been doing (which is something I never did in my office when I did work) is working on one thing at a time and putting it away. As a result I walked from one end of the house to the other a number of times and felt like I had not only completed my tasks but added some exercise.

Hi Angie,

Thanks for the great tip on adding some extra steps throughout the day. I make myself get up every hour and do some small task to stretch and move about. Every little thing adds up doesn't it.

I am on my computer nearly all daylong, punctuated with breaks to take care of the dogs and family. I used to have more daily caretaking duties for my elderly family members but now that they are no longer living in my home, those duties have diminished considerably.

I would like to get a pedometer to keep track of my steps. A question: If I can't get out of the house, does running in place count?

Hi Lori.

Yes running in place counts. While it is better to get out and enjoy the fresh air as well as tackling the different types of terrain outdoors, walking and running in place are a great alternative.

When it is storming out I often use walking videos as well as dancing videos to get my daily exercise in. Sometimes we need to be a bit creative when we are taking care of everyone else around us, and remember to take care of ourselves.

Thanks, Carla. I'm hitting a snag with the self-care right now as some family things have come up. I'm so concerned about my mother, uncle and daughter's health that I neglect my own right now.

Thank you for the reminder.

It is something I struggle with to. I think most of us caregivers have a hard time taking time for ourselves. It is so easy to let everyone elses needs come before our own needs. Taking a brief walk can help clear your head and help to balance your perspective. That is what I use my walks for anyway . I enjoy putting my headphones in and letting it all go.