How Walking Helps To Clear Your Mind and Re-focus Your Energy

In today’s fast-paced world, we all have a lot going on, we all know the physical advantages of walking, improved cardiovascular health and reduced risk of chronic diseases but the psychological results are even more amazing, research from Stanford University revealed that walking boosts creative output by an average of 60%.

Putting one foot in front of the other activates parts of the brain associated with memory, imagination, creativity and problem-solving. The feel-good hormones kick in, stress subsides allowing you to return from a walk with a much clearer head.

It’s amazing how being outside allows all the clutter and chatter in your head to disappear. From the gentle wind, to the swaying leaves above in the trees and the peace of no noise and just birdsong, helps you to focus on what’s important and see things with renewed mental clarity and a fresh perspective.

Need to think through a challenging work situation, come out of a stressful meeting or you’ve just had a really bad start to your day.

Try to get out at lunchtime even if it’s just for 15 minutes.

Lunchtime Walk

Getting out, thinking, creatively problem-solving and re-focussing all helps to re-set with new and more positive energy.

Steve Jobs was well known for his walking meetings. It’s a great coaching tool too. Walking side by side breaks down barriers, opens up dialogue, allows honesty and creative thinking allowing for honest and insightful conversations.

So if you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or stressed  get outside and get walking, let your mind roam and you will be surprised, even in a short period of time, how much you can solve. Your body and mind will thank you.