As I step out into the early morning air, the dew still fresh on the grass, I find myself reflecting on a journey that began six months ago. I’ve decided to be more active for the rest of my life, and it all started with a simple goal: walking 6,000 steps a day for the first three months of 2023. And here I am, in June, three months past my initial target, still going strong and enjoying every moment of it.

Why is this noteworthy, you may ask? Well, to put it simply, I was once the laziest person you’d ever meet. In school, I’d purposely show up late on Wednesdays to avoid Physical & Health Education (PHE) classes. More recently, whenever a friend invited me for a run, I’d respond with a quizzical “why? who’s chasing me?”

So, what led to this seismic shift in attitude? The motivation came from an urgent need for a lifestyle change. Several people in my family are diabetic, and according to the American Diabetes Association, walking can significantly lower the risk of diabetes. The more intensely and frequently you walk, the lower your risk. So, aiming for 10,000 steps per day or at least 30 minutes a day can help cut the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Moreover, for a large part of my adult life, I’ve been overweight and often breathless. Introducing walking into my daily routine has been a game-changer, transforming my once sedentary lifestyle into an active one.

The beauty of this journey is that I’ve grown to truly enjoy it. Every morning, I start my day with a 30-minute walk, clearing my mind and setting the tone for the day. Throughout the day, whenever the sun isn’t too intense, I choose to walk to any destination within a 2km radius.

Six months into this journey, and I haven’t missed a day yet. I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to keep up this momentum. I’ve been tracking my progress using Samsung Health, and I invite you to join me on this journey. You can add me using the link or the QR code below so we can motivate each other, compete in various challenges and the like.

https://shealth.samsung.com/s/HhUEjRD

Just remember, it’s never too late to take that first step towards a healthier lifestyle. And before you know it, you’re not just meeting your goals, you’re exceeding them! So, here’s to taking the first step, to making a change, and to walking towards a healthier future.