Have you ever considered when you get your best ideas? Or what you’re doing when the solution to a problem pops into your head? It might be sitting at your desk in school, or working at a computer, but it could also be doing something unconnected such as taking a shower or washing the dishes. The best ideas can land when you least expect them – but there are things you can do to help them along, and that’s where walking comes in.
Even a short stroll can help settle your mind if you’re stressed, clarify your thinking if you have a problem to solve or give your creativity a boost. In fact, some of the world’s most successful people, including Apple founder Steve Jobs, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger and inventor Albert Einstein have all talked about their fondness for taking a walk to stimulate their minds. Here’s why you should put your best foot forward.
Stress less
If you’re feeling anxious or worried, walking can be a great antidote. Michelle, now 21, from London, is an NSPCC-lived-experience advocate, and says she discovered walking as a teenager, when she was going through a tough period of exam stress. ‘My mum loves walking, so it was her who first suggested I go out for a walk,’ she remembers. ‘Within about 10 minutes it made me feel so much better.’
Michelle had been putting huge pressure on herself to do well in her exams to get into her first choice university, but with her anxiety levels rising, she ended up in a trusted teacher’s room in tears before her politics A-Level paper. ‘I remember my chest feeling really tight,’ she says. ‘The thought of sitting in an exam hall with so many other people was making me really anxious.’ With reassurance from her teacher, Michelle did sit her exam, and daily walks helped lower her stress levels.
Clearing your mind
The beauty of walking is that as your stress levels fall, it makes room in your mind for other thoughts. Now at university, Michelle says a daily walk is a ‘non-negotiable’ part of her self-care, helping her to clarify her thoughts and find perspective. ‘When my mind is cluttered and busy, I can’t think clearly,’ she says. ‘I like to walk without any music or podcasts – I just try to be with myself and my thoughts.’
Gillian Mills, from Belfast, works for Childline, and says that when young people call the confidential, 24-hour service in crisis, going out for a walk can be one of the suggestions they discuss. ‘If you take a walk to clear your head, problems may not seem so big,’ she says. ‘If you think of a balloon, getting bigger and bigger as it fills with air and pressure builds, walking and taking some deep breaths of fresh air can have the opposite effect, exhaling and letting that balloon deflate.’
She adds that studies have shown that just 15 minutes walking outdoors can help lower anxiety and allow you to think more clearly.
Stepping stone to creativity
Walking is great because it holds some of your attention – but not all. You can shake off any worries, pay attention to your surroundings and let your mind wander in new directions. This kind of mental state has been linked to new ideas and insights. Whether you’re revising for an exam, feeling stuck on a school project or working through a friendship problem, going for a walk could help.
Researchers at Stanford University in the US found a clear link between walking and creative thinking – participants in a Walking Study increased their brainstorming by 60% during their walks and shortly afterwards. Walking increases what the experts call ‘divergent thinking’ – which is when the mind explores many possible solutions.
Scientists also found that walking indoors can have the same effect. Michelle sometimes uses a treadmill, but says her most enjoyable and creative walks happen outdoors, where she can smile and say hello to passers-by, and ‘feel the wind blowing on my face’.
She adds: ‘Out on a walk, that’s when new ideas come, or I can solidify existing ideas and put my thoughts in order. Walking gives me more confidence too, which makes me feel that my ideas are good ones.’ Afterwards, Michelle likes to spend time journaling. ‘I can better articulate how I feel after I’ve been out for a walk,’ she smiles.
Childline is a free, confidential listening service open to anyone under 19 in the UK. Call 24-hours: 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk
Make your walk count
Tune out
Walking with a podcast or music can be a great diversion, but if you really want to think creatively it’s best to leave your headphones at home. Avoid looking at your phone too.
Tune in
Listen to the birds, smile or say hello to other walkers, pat dogs – with their owner’s permission – and simply be with your thoughts.
Take a seat
If you pass a park bench or grassy hill, why not sit a while and watch the world go by. Notice the view and pay attention to your breath.
Be safe
Think about where you’re walking. Avoid going out alone after dark, and carry a fully charged phone in your pocket or bag in case of emergency.
Walk in company
Ask a parent or guardian to go out with you, join your family dog walk or suggest walking with a friend instead of hanging out indoors.