A study from Stanford University in the United States has shown that walking significantly increases the ability to generate new ideas, especially in activities that require brainstorming and creative thinking.
According to the researchers, the effect is observed both when walking outdoors and in indoor environments, such as treadmill walking in the office. The study concluded that the act of walking itself is the main factor associated with increased creativity.
In the research, participants who walked performed better in creative tasks than those who remained seated. In one of the tests, the average increase in idea generation reached around 60%.
The researchers explained that walking enhances so-called “divergent thinking,” a mental process associated with creating different solutions and forming new connections between ideas. This can be particularly useful in professional activities that require innovation, problem-solving and creativity.
It is also worth noting that short walking breaks during the workday can help professionals step out of autopilot mode and regain mental clarity throughout the day.
According to Fast Company Brasil, this habit may also serve as a simple way to interrupt excessive digital stimulation, back-to-back meetings and long hours spent sitting in front of a computer.
After all, sitting for nine hours a day, five days a week, can negatively affect both physical and mental health.
The Stanford University research was divided into four experiments involving 176 university students and other adults. Participants were asked to complete tasks designed to measure creative thinking while experiencing different conditions: walking on a treadmill indoors; sitting indoors; walking outdoors; or sitting outdoors while being pushed in a wheelchair.
According to the researchers, the goal was to compare not only physical movement but also the impact of visual environment on creativity.
The sessions lasted between five and 16 minutes, depending on the activity. The study also evaluated different combinations, such as two consecutive seated sessions or a walk followed by a seated creative task.
