Modern work culture often glorifies grinding through mental blocks: the longer you sit and concentrate, the more productive you must be… right? Not quite. According to neuroscience research (and the habits of some of the world’s most innovative minds), walking could be exactly what your brain needs. When it comes to solving complex problems or generating new ideas, sitting might actually be the worst thing you can do.
A recent HBR IdeaCast episode featuring neuroscientist Mithu Storoni unpacks how walking enhances cognitive function, especially when it comes to creative problem-solving. The principle is built on the idea that the brain doesn’t operate like a muscle. For physical tasks, pushing through fatigue might work. But for mental blocks in creativity, pressing harder usually backfires.
This is where the “10-minute rule” comes in. If you’ve been stuck on a problem for more than ten minutes, don’t keep forcing it — take a walk. Neuroscience backs this up: walking keeps the brain alert without letting it fixate. While you’re navigating your surroundings, your mind drifts just enough to make novel connections, which is a sweet spot for creativity.
This isn’t just theory. Thinkers like Steve Jobs and Charles Darwin were famous for their walking routines. And research suggests that the movement involved in walking gently stimulates brain regions involved in divergent thinking. The takeaway? If your brain’s running in circles, try walking in actual ones.
Tags: brain, problem-solving, psychology, thinking, walkingCategorised in: Uncategorized
This post was written by Christine Rizk