As restrictions lifted and the weather continued to warm up, I returned to the gym, took my bike out more and walked further afield to see friends around London. It felt great! Why is it always such a surprise to re-learn time and time again that exercising outside really is good for you?

So when lockdown two was announced last November, I decided to take a little more control of my happiness by ensuring I exercised. I took on the couch to 5K challenge (which I of course told everybody I spoke to about), thanked the lords for the return Joe Wicks’ PE lessons and started to take note of my step count.

I did not know the scientific reason why 10,000 steps is the optimal daily target bandied around in society, but I went with it anyway. What I did know is that I could feel the benefits to both physical and mental health. And that’s why I’m continuing the habit through the third lockdown.

Lockdown walks: “I’ve become obsessed with my step count – but is that such a bad thing?”