I recently returned from a month of hiking in Patagonia, which was absolutely breathtaking. So I’d like to dive into the topic of walking and its many benefits.
First off, walking can significantly enhance our thinking. There's a fascinating study showing that thinking while walking produces better results than just sitting and pondering. The reasons aren't entirely clear—it could be due to improved blood circulation, the physical effort, or the stimulation from the surroundings—but it’s evident that walking boosts cognitive performance. Plus, this effect lingers even after you stop walking. For example, if you walk for 45 minutes, your creativity remains heightened for about 15 minutes afterward.
Another major advantage of walking is that it forces us to think for longer periods. My strategy is to take a problem and allocate more time than I think is necessary for contemplation. If I believe a problem will take an hour to solve, I set aside two hours—walking one way for an hour and back for another hour. This extended thinking time often leads to better solutions, as it prevents premature conclusions. By giving ourselves more time upfront, we save time later by arriving at more refined solutions.
Additionally, walking provides much-needed exercise. Many of us feel we don't get enough physical activity, so this approach kills two birds with one stone—enhanced creativity and exercise.
Walking also offers a unique mode of communication. When you walk with someone, you're side-by-side rather than face-to-face, which allows for more natural pauses and deeper contemplation. It's easier to revisit topics discussed earlier without feeling like you're in a formal meeting.
In summary, walking boosts creativity, ensures longer and deeper thinking sessions, and fosters better communication with others. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance both mind and body.
Lastly, if you have the opportunity to take an extended walk—like my month-long hike—I highly recommend it. The first week might feel like business as usual, but after that, time slows down and deeper reflections begin. Each year, I choose a big topic to contemplate during these walks, and real progress usually starts after the first week.
So whether you're walking alone or with a friend, whether it's for a short or long duration, I highly recommend incorporating more walking into your life.
