Walking can Increase Creativity

The following two paragraphs and statistics are from an article on the Student Conservation Association website. The link is at the bottom of this post:

“According to a study performed by the National Institute of Health (NIH), the simple act of walking led to increased creativity in 81% of participants, with the best results coming from walking outdoors, as opposed to indoor exercise on a treadmill. It is not hard to see why: combining the endorphin-releasing effect of physical exertion with the stimulation of a physical landscape – a snow-capped forest, an ice-covered river or lake, even the familiar features of your neighborhood in an early-morning or late-afternoon light – makes for a potent cocktail, indeed.

“Finally, being outside helps improve our relationships. In a nation where we spend 87% of our time in enclosed buildings and 6% more in vehicles, a large driver of what is euphemistically known as “cabin fever” is isolation. This can be combatted by getting out into a communal space where other people can participate in what you are doing. This might mean inviting a friend for a walk or bike ride; dusting off those old skis, skates, or snowshoes; or even just saying hello to neighbors or strangers on the street or in a park.”

I hope you can take care of yourself by making it out to the park and connecting with someone! This winter has been especially long, ❤ but there’s still some sunshine. Enjoy it! 😉