Stuck on an idea? Walking helped 81% of people
In one experiment, walking rather than sitting boosted creative idea generation for 81% of participants.
Walking rather than sitting boosted creative idea generation for most people in one experiment.
The study
In the first of four experiments, adults took creativity tests while seated and then while walking on a treadmill. Walking improved the scores of 81% of participants on a test of coming up with new uses for everyday objects. Later experiments found a lingering boost after walking, extended the effect to walking outdoors, and found that walking outside produced the most novel ideas.
Starting small
When you are stuck on a problem, a short walk can be part of thinking it through. Taking a question along on a ten-minute walk, and jotting down what comes up afterward, is an easy way to try it.