Have you noticed that suddenly you come up with a solution to a problem you’ve been working on for a while after just a brief walk? Yes, the fresh air, change of scene, and simple physical movement of a body can help your brain to think creatively. And you don’t have to be an artist or writer to benefit from it.
Experiments conducted by the researchers from Stanford University demonstrated that simple walking increased creativity by 81%, as measured by Guilford’s alternate uses test. In this test, the person is given a common object, such as a tire or button, and asked to list as many non-traditional uses for this object within four minutes. Next, the participants took a short self-paced walk on a treadmill. After their walk, they then came up with more novel ideas for using the objects.
In another experiment, participants took the same test twice, with and without a brief outdoor walk. 95% of walking participants generated at least one creative idea, compared to just 50% of those who stayed seated.
Researchers at Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine (Ube, Japan) found similar results with a different physical activity. When participants climbed three flights of stairs before the test, 61% produced more original solutions than when they took the elevator. Even climbing stairs stimulated enhanced divergent thinking and development of new ideas.
Daily physical activity as short as three minutes of walking at a natural pace have been found to enhance divergent thinking, in particular originality, thanks to the molecular level impact on the body. Here are few mechanisms happening when we walk:
- Increases production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, which strengthens the brain’s ability to learn and adapt
- Improves blood flow, where more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the brain, especially the prefrontal cortex (the creative hub)
- Releases dopamine, which boosts cognitive flexibility and problem-solving
Whether it’s a quick trip to the store or a leisurely weekend walk, movement is a booster for the brain. Next time you’re stuck, get your shoes on. That creative solution might be waiting just around the corner.