A study by 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, this effect is observed both during outdoor walks and in indoor settings, such as on office treadmills. The study concluded that the act of walking is the primary factor associated with increased creativity.
In the study, participants who walked performed better creatively than those who remained seated. In one of the tests, the average increase in idea generation reached about 60%.
The researchers explained that walking promotes so-called “divergent thinking,” a mental process associated with generating distinct solutions and establishing new connections between ideas. This can be especially useful in professional activities that require innovation, problem-solving, and creativity.
It is also worth noting that short breaks to walk during work hours can help professionals switch off autopilot and regain clarity throughout the day.
According to Fast Company Brasil, this habit can also serve as a simple way to break up the constant barrage of digital stimuli, back-to-back meetings, and long periods of sitting in front of a computer.
After all, sitting for nine hours a day, five days a week, can lead to a decline in physical and mental health.
The Stanford University study was divided into four experiments involving 176 college students and other adults. Participants had to perform tasks used by researchers to measure creative thinking while experiencing different situations: walking on a treadmill indoors; sitting in an indoor space; 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 the 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 sitting sessions or a walk before a seated activity.
