"Aristotle once said that 'walking is essential to well-being,' and this rings especially true for creative thinking. Taking a stroll in nature can help to clear the mind and promote new ideas.
For millions of years, humans have been walking. It is fundamental to our daily lives and often goes unnoticed. In this article, let's dive into the ways in which walking can skyrocket your productivity levels.
Promotes Mental Well-Being
There is no denying that exercise is good for our health, both mental and physical. The endorphins that get released are natural chemicals that reduce pain and increase feelings of pleasure. An excellent form of low-impact exercise that can be incorporated regardless of shape or size, studies on walking have shown to reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression.
Feeling absolutely overwhelmed at work? Step away from your daily work routine or desk and go for a 10-minute walk. Allow yourself the time to decompress and shift your thoughts. This simple act can help to clear our minds and reset our focus.
A Walk Promotes Creative Thinking
Steve Jobs, Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein and many other influential thinkers of our time were known to indulge in long walks to stimulate creative thinking. Having your feet touch the ground, exploring your surroundings and engaging with the world around you promotes new ideas and insights.
In this study by Stanford University, researchers found that participants who went for a walk were able to generate more creative ideas compared to those who remained seated. A person's creative output increases by an average of 60% when walking.
"The rhythm of walking generates a kind of rhythm of thinking, and the passage through a landscape echoes or stimulates the passage through a series of thoughts." - Rebecca Solnit
Improves Focus and Productivity
Struggling with your ability to be focused and productive? Sitting for long periods of time can cause us to become mentally fatigued, in turn making it hard to concentrate and get work done.
Instead, get up and go for a walk and reap the benefits of improved memory, attention span and decision-making skills. Your brain may come up with all sorts of excuses to prevent you from taking the break but remember to harness the power of walking to re-energize your mind and improve your cognitive function.
Conclusion
Walking is not just a means of getting from one place to another or a form of exercise. It is a powerful tool that you can harness to boost your creativity and productivity. So the next time you are feeling stuck or uninspired, step out for a walk and let the fresh air and nature do the rest.
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