ONE of my resolutions this year was to go out for a walk every day.

It was, I admit, partly inspired by the fitness gadget I was given as a present, which sets a challenge of a certain number of steps I should achieve in 24 hours, and lets me see how I’m getting on.

It also allows me to share my statistics with others, and I’ve been a bit shocked at how keen I’ve become not only to match my target but also to want to beat family members’ totals. Friendly competition can be a great motivator.

But what I have noticed most is that taking that small amount of time out every day, away from the desk, the computer, meetings and paperwork, has made me calmer and happier.

It reduces stress, and when I get back to the tasks waiting for me they get done more quickly and effectively. I get some exercise and a short break from work, and my work benefits too. It’s a win-win situation.

Statistics suggest many of us are feeling overwhelmed by demands upon our time.

We may have caring responsibilities as well as a job; we may be ferrying children around to after-school activities; we may be involved with community activities, the search for employment, hospital visits… the list goes on.

Sometimes people think faith is more about what we do than who we are. They have a vision of an angry God we have to please by doing good things, knowing we can never do enough.

My Christian faith encourages me to look beyond my own needs and desires, and tells me it’s good to help others, especially the weaker or more disadvantaged members of society.

But this should grow out of the fact that I know God loves me, not out of being afraid.

If God cares for me then God also cares for others, and I should respect and care for them too.

The Bible says Jesus came to earth so people would “have life and have it abundantly”.

Part of that abundant life is taking the time to breathe deeply, look at the beauty of the world and step away from responsibilities or demands, even if it’s just over a lunch break.