Why Walking Helps Us Think
HealthSummary
Walking has long since been the favored pastime of many renowned philosophers and writers. From Henry David Thoreau to William Wordsworth, many creative minds have recognized this connection between going for walks and the ability to pen down great ideas. But is there a science to this seemingly intuitive link? According to various studies, walking changes the chemistry of the brain by circulating more blood and oxygen to the brain and other organs. Additionally, walking regularly helps the brain build better connections, stimulates neuron growth, and slows down the natural deterioration of brain tissue that comes with the aging process. In turn, memory and attention levels improve in individuals who go for walks often. Furthermore, studies have also noted that the pace at which we move influences our mental state. Therefore, the slow pace of a walk, in comparison to running on a treadmill at the gym, allows people to change the rhythm of their internal thought processes and mood, creating a feedback loop between the body and the mind. However, another study led by assistant professor at the University of South Carolina, Marc Berman, reported that where people go for walks also plays a role in improved memory and ideation. As a growing number of research suggests, spending time walking in natural environments or green spaces can help people restore the mental energy that has been drained by the daily routines of the fast-paced, modern lifestyle.