Picture this – it’s 3:00 pm on a Thursday. You’re staring at a task you started a few hours before with no real movement. You’re at a productivity standstill. How can you get yourself out of this funk?
I take a walk. Whether it’s a stroll around the office or a lap around the parking lot, walking provides a fresh perspective that sitting in front of a screen just can’t offer.
Movement Generates Creativity
Movement is a powerful tool for shifting mindsets and generating new ideas. It engages more than just your legs—it invites creativity and renewed energy to whatever challenge you’re facing. Whether you take a walk or just stand up and stretch, physical movement welcomes new perspectives.
When you hit a roadblock at work, it’s like sitting in traffic. You know you’ll get to where you need to go eventually, but it takes much longer than you’d prefer or causes stress if you’re in a time crunch. Taking a few minutes to move is like removing yourself from the traffic. (Wouldn’t it be nice to do that when we’re stuck on the highway in our car?)
When you return to your desk, you have a new perspective. You’ve renewed your creativity and engaged your mind in a new way. You’re ready to tackle the task at hand.
“Walk and Talk” Meetings
While helpful for personal reflection, this same principle of utilizing movement applies to conversations and meetings with others. When taking a walk with someone else, the benefits actually multiply.
The motion adds a unique dynamic to conversations. It’s reminiscent of The West Wing’s classic “walk and talk” scenes. These walking meetings break the monotony of sitting around a table and get the entire body involved, making for more energized and creative exchanges. The flow of movement aligns with the flow of ideas, allowing for a more vibrant, solution-oriented conversation. Simply put, it’s less boring than sitting in a room staring at each other!
The Bottom Line
So, the next time you’re feeling bogged down or want to spark some fresh ideas, take a page from the “walk and talk” playbook. Whether alone or with a colleague, movement can unlock creativity and add a spark of energy to your day.
