Throughout history, there are numerous anecdotes that suggest that walking helps you think, solve problems, and come up with creative ideas., say researchers from the University of Wurzburg (Germany).
What if the key to our creative potential was found in something as simple as a treadmill? A recent study by the University of Würzburg, published in the prestigious journal Psychological Research, sheds fascinating light on the link between physical movement and creativity. Explanations.
Divergent thinking: at the heart of creativity
Before going any further, it is essential to understand what divergent thinking is, a concept that I often explain during my creativity conference. Divergent thinking is our ability to find several solutions to a given problem, to explore different paths and to think outside the usual frameworks. It is it that allows us to innovate, create and solve problems in an original way. Great inventors, artists, and entrepreneurs often excel in this field.
Researchers have discovered that this form of thinking is particularly sensitive to our freedom of movement. This idea is not entirely new. Since ancient times, Aristotle taught while walking, giving rise to the peripatetic school. Throughout history, many thinkers and creators have praised the benefits of walking as a way to stimulate thought.
What this study reveals
The results show that free movement, whether walking or sitting without restraint, promotes divergent thinking, as measured by the task of alternative uses. Although the frequency of blinking varies between walking and sitting, it is not correlated with task performance. However, a significant correlation between blinks and creativity scores has been observed under some conditions.
The study highlights that freedom of movement, more than the type of movement, reinforces creativity by broadening the field of attention and promoting the flexibility of thought processes. The researchers asked participants to imagine different uses for an ordinary object, such as a towel, in various contexts: sitting without movement restrictions, sitting with restrictions, walking freely, or following a defined path.
The result is striking: freedom of movement, even when sitting, significantly stimulates divergent thinking. It is not so much the movement itself that is important, but the ability to move freely. This discovery has profound implications for the design of our working and learning spaces.
Practical implications to boost your creativity
Free yourself from physical constraints :
Even if you work sitting down, allow yourself moments where you can move freely. Swing, stretch, change positions. Your body and mind will thank you for it.
Integrate active breaks :
Get up regularly to walk, stretch, or simply change your posture. These micro breaks can do wonders for your creativity and productivity.
Rethink your workspace :
Create an environment that encourages movement. A standing desk, a treadmill, or simply an open space to walk in can transform your work experience.
Brainstorm on the move :
The next time you're looking for ideas, try doing it by walking or moving freely around a room. You may be surprised at the flow of ideas that will come out of it.
Meditate on the move :
Practice activities like tai chi, qi gong, or yoga, which combine movement and mindfulness (practices that I have The benefits have already been explained here, and whom I often refer to as an innovation speaker and a creativity speaker). These exercises can not only improve your creativity, but they can also reduce stress and promote your overall well-being.
Organize meetings while walking :
Instead of sitting around a table, why not organize your meetings while walking? Many innovative leaders are already adopting this practice!
Explore new physical activities :
Dancing, climbing, or even juggling can stimulate your brain in new ways and potentially unleash your creativity.
The impact on remote learning and working
In the current context, where remote working and distance learning have become the norm for many, these discoveries take on particular importance. Spending long hours in front of a screen can limit our movements and, as a result, our creativity. It is therefore crucial to consciously incorporate moments of free movement into our days.
“All great thoughts are designed while walking.” — Friedrich Nietzsche
For educators and employers, this highlights the importance of designing learning and working experiences that encourage movement, even in a virtual environment. Regular breaks, online group exercises, or the encouragement to change positions frequently can make a big difference.
Conclusion: free your body to free your mind!
In our increasingly digital world, where we spend hours in front of screens, it is essential to reintroduce movement into our daily lives. Not only for our physical health, but also for our mental health and our creativity.
Movement is not only good for our body, it's essential for our mind. So the next time you feel stuck on a project or looking for inspiration, remember: a body in motion frees the mind. Get up, move, and let your ideas flow! You might be amazed at the results.
