Walking is proven to boost brain health, slow memory loss, support heart health, and improve digestion, among a myriad of other physical health benefits. But it also comes with a score of mental and emotional perks—just ask Sandy Tran, who recently completed a 30-day walking challenge. For a month, Tran walked 15,000 steps every day and took note of four surprising changes. She documented the experience in a Reddit thread, which has since racked up thousands of likes.

RELATED: How to Walk 10,000 Steps a Day Without Leaving the House.

1. I stopped doomscrolling as much. 6 | Turn off your phone during set times.Shutterstock

Walking forced Tran to quit doomscrolling, and as a result, she noted that her screen time went down significantly. Instead of thumbing through Instagram posts, Tran started doing "walk-and-talk calls" to help the time pass by.

"It's honestly made walking way more enjoyable," she said. "There’s something about moving and chatting that makes time fly and getting your steps in feel effortless."

2. I gained mental clarity on my walks.1 | Start going for long walks outside.

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Although she sometimes relied on music and podcasts to keep her company, Tran said she often used her walks as a mental reset.

"Sometimes I’ll throw on a podcast or some music, but most of the time, I just enjoy walking in silence—being present with nature really helps clear my mind," she wrote in the thread.

The National Parks Service (NPS)advocates that "frequent exposure to nature reduces anxiety and depression," and adding walking into the mix "improves mood, self-esteem, and relaxation."

On that note, Tran also noticed improvements in her stress levels. "Anytime I had a lot on my mind or was stressed, walking would clear my mind and relieve my stress," she said in an Instagram post.

Speaking previously with Best Life, Macy Westlund, a certified personal trainer and wellness expert, dubbed walking "nature’s stress buster."

"The rhythmic movement, fresh air, and change of scenery all work wonders for your mental well-being," she explained. "Over time, your worries will seem to fade away—replaced by a calm and serene state of mind."

RELATED: This Simple Exercise Is the Equivalent of 10,000 Steps, and It Takes Just 30 Minutes.

3. I had way more energy. woman walking on pathway during daytimePhoto by Emma Simpson on Unsplash

By the end of the month, Tran noticed an increase in stamina and her overall mood. This corroborates a concept proposed by Westlund that it takes about a month of continuous walking before your body starts reaping the benefits.

Walking "gets your heart pumping, increases blood circulation, and releases feel-good endorphins," she explained. This leaves you feeling "invigorated, revitalized, and ready to take on the world," as well as "bursting with energy."

Additionally, walking can motivate you to try other forms of exercise.

As Best Life previously reported, as part of a 2018 study, "Inactive adults were given pedometers and exercise advice and told to start a 12-week walking program. Three to four years later, the ones who'd started the walking programs took an extra 400 to 600 steps every day and did an extra half-hour of moderate or vigorous physical activity, compared to patients who had never been told to start walking.”

4. I felt a sense of accomplishment. ​7 | Spend 15 minutes in the sun each morning.Shutterstock

"This challenge made walking feel like something to look forward to, not a chore," Tran wrote on Reddit. "No matter how messy the day got, I had this one win!"

When she felt discouraged, Tran said she changed up her route to keep things fresh.

On Instagram, she added, "A complete habit shift and more mental clarity. It’s wild how consistent daily movement changes how you feel (physically and mentally)."