After working on the computer for a long time, the brain could feel blocked. When encountering a problem with finding a solution even after persistent thinking, is there any solution? Here’s a trick: go outside.
In 2014, a study by Stanford University in the United States found the number of creative ideas in the head is 60% higher when walking than when sitting. What the research means by creativity is the thinking process in which the brain is able to generate constructive ideas by exploring many possible solutions.
How can walking (outdoors) provide immediate help to your brain’s thinking? One possible explanation is that walking can put the brain into a “diffuse” operating state.
In the book “Learning How to Learn”, American engineering professor Barbara Oakley teaches us how to alternately use “focus mode” and “diffuse mode”, two brain operating states with their own strengths.
The brain must focus on one thing in order to process the data. For example, when you read this article, you are in a “focused” operating state. In the “diffuse” operating state, the mind is relaxed and free, not focusing on any specific thing (so when time is constrained, such as an exam is about to take place or a “deadline” is approaching, we can easily mistake this diffusion state to be a waste of time). When your brain is in diffusion mode, you are actually using different parts of your brain compared to when you are focusing. The diffusion model can help establish valuable connections between many things in the mind, including integrating new and old knowledge buried within, as well as thinking outside the box and coming up with new ideas. To learn effectively, the brain must alternate between focused and diffuse modes. Walking outdoors, especially in a park, while looking up at the trees is a great environment to put your brain into diffusion mode.
In fact, the inspiration for this article came to mind naturally when I was walking alone in Hong Kong Park during lunchtime. Walking outdoors is a great way to expand your mind.
Written by: Dr. William Chui
Originally posted on: HKEJ Health
Translated by: Cheuk Long Chan
