5,649 Steps a Day to Improve Mental Health: Can you do it?

2021-05-07T15:24:47-04:00

Mental health challenges have grown for us all over the past year. Living through a pandemic, being a part of the military or veteran community along with the inevitable stresses of life can cause a deterioration of overall well-being. We want to lend a helping hand. In Dr. Kelly McGonigal’s fantastic new book called The Joy of Movement, she finds “The average daily step count required to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression and increase satisfaction with life is 5,649."

To help you make connections with people who will motivate you to take these important steps, we’re happy to announce we are teaming up with RallyPoint to share thousands of Team RWB events around the globe to the military world in the communities where you live, starting in May 2021. The first event is Team RWB's Marching Orders from May 8-15.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or think you have to tackle these steps alone, Team RWB and RallyPoint are right there behind you in support! You can participate in many different ways and we invite you to get creative. We want to help the RallyPoint community alleviate any built-up stress that may have accumulated during the past year. Even if you’re feeling healthy both mentally and physically, taking these steps have the ability to strengthen overall health and make new connections.

You can run, walk or even army crawl if you’d like. There are 3 participation levels which accommodates all fitness levels so take your pick and commit to your 8-day goal at the Red, White or Blue level. Encourage your friends and family to join you too. Register as a team or individual here: https://rly.pt/32aMaBp

Remember, 5,649 steps a day may seem like a lot but it’s still far less than your PT requirements! Plus, now you have the RWB and RallyPoint communities as a support system.

Marching Orders

Response by 1SG Steven Imerman made May 7 at 2021 3:37 PM

2021-05-07T15:37:28-04:00

At an army 30 inch step, that's two and two thirds miles, I do that and more every day when the weather is decent, and it works. I'm not crazy. Well, haven't been tested, but I don't think so.

Early in the day out on a path in the fields or woods with a dog will give time to reflect on how good your life really is, and how your problems aren't really all that bad. I am going to sign up.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 7 at 2021 3:48 PM

2021-05-07T15:48:33-04:00

I probably do 3 times amount each day LTC Private RallyPoint Member

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2021 4:29 PM

2021-05-07T16:29:11-04:00

Many of us in the 60s and above range have jewels of knowledge to share with the more active folks. We've all been there. Over time, running has its pro/cons, whether it's a few miles a day, or a half marathon on the weekend. Body joints have a mean time before failure (MTBF), which is just a mean.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made May 7 at 2021 5:44 PM

2021-05-07T17:44:53-04:00

"The average daily step count required to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression and increase satisfaction with life is 5,649."

My average daily step count to do that stuff is 64. 8 steps to the fridge, grab a beer, 8 steps back to the couch. Repeat 3 more times.

My average daily step count before I am in pain is 65.

And 5,649 is WAY more than my PT requirements - which is 0.

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made May 9 at 2021 7:17 PM

2021-05-09T19:17:54-04:00

Great to do, if your knees let you that is. Anybody want some old ones??? Thought not. I'm trying to get in 2 miles a day, but don't any of you suckers dare ask me how long it takes me now!

Response by SPC Phil Norton made May 10 at 2021 2:26 PM

2021-05-10T14:26:11-04:00

Yes I have to everyday because I had a heart attack so if I can you probably can

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2021 12:45 PM

2021-05-12T12:45:58-04:00

I can try.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made May 14 at 2021 8:08 AM

2021-05-14T08:08:52-04:00

I walk in the woods along a rough trail and that is more helpful for my physical form than one along a smooth sidewalk or running path. The ups and down have working ALL the little muscles. The mini-balancing act with each step tone the body much more effectively than the the 'clean' street walking. The country air and nature helps me relax since I'm not making it a competition. If you can't get away then I recommend to everyone to walk wherever you can.