At the beginning of last month, I made a mid-year resolution (yes, those are totally a thing!).

I resolved to walk 10,000 steps every day.

Enough was enough. Ever since I had landed in Berlin, I’d been trying out the various kinds of breads, puddings, desserts and every single flavour of ice-cream. The best part about moving to another country is, unarguably, the chance to try out new cuisines and food.

However, what isn’t very nice is having to update everything in one’s wardrobe to a larger size.

A round face in the mirror and a cupboard full of clothes that didn’t fit anymore, led me to believe that such behaviour could not be allowed to continue.

And so, on the first of July, I set out for a walk.

It took me a couple of days to realise that not only did it take me over two hours to complete 10,000 steps, but also it wasn’t particularly kind to my calf muscles. After a couple of days of walking, I concluded that I didn’t want to hobble out of bed in the morning just to limp around the whole day just to go for a walk in the evening and limp some more.

Instead, I decided I would do ten to twelve thousand steps per day for three or four days at a stretch, then take a break for a day or two, before doing another stretch of three or four days of walking.

That worked for me.

I didn’t check my weight either before or after the month was up, so I can’t tell you how much weight I lost. But my clothes did begin to fit better, and I felt much more healthy and energetic.

But the biggest takeaway for me was much more than losing weight.

1. I feel my mental health improved. Like everyone, I have good days and bad days. However, lately I’d been finding myself feeling anxious and stressed over small things. When I began walking, I started feeling more calm and happy, and it was almost as though the walks were meditation sessions for me. I’d listen to music or audiobooks while walking in the park, and sometimes stop to feed the ducks in the pond.

In general, my disposition improved, and I became more cheerful, less anxious and more capable of handling the bad days. When things went wrong, I’d take it in my stride and move on to something else rather easily.

2. My creativity spiked. Walking for two hours in a park is plenty of time to spend with one’s thoughts and ideas. I was amazed at how many creative ideas I thought of while out walking – I thought of ideas for my writing, and even thought of a couple of ideas for books. It brought mental clarity and I found myself thinking a lot more.

3. I got a chance to do more of my other hobbies. I’m interested in photography, and I would take my camera along whenever I’d step out for a walk. Sometimes I’d explore newer parts of the city, or take a walk along the river. I managed to click some very nice photographs during my walks last month.

I enjoy reading, but always complained I never had enough time. Thanks to audiobooks, I’ve listened to a couple of good books while I’m out looking around at nature.

I feel happier, calmer and lighter. Walking is a great way to stay fit, physically and mentally, and is great for improving clarity of thought and creativity. There’s even a Stanford study that agrees with me!