Is there any evidence that people think more clearly when walking than they do while standing or sitting down?

lanfranco

Well, here's a study suggesting that regular walking can help stave off dementia and encourage clear thinking. I also ran into a discussion of Buddhist "walking meditation." As for whether pacing is more efficacious than sitting in the ordinary course of trying to think about something, my personal experience is that it is. http://walking.about.com/od/mindandspirit/a/dementia092404.htm Sep 02 05, 8:09 AM

MaggieG 5

On behalf of gmack... Not that inability to do so has hindered Mr Hawking's thinking. An article I have just read claims that walking: -Can improve the efficency of the heart and lungs -Increases body fat burn and raises metabolism so calories even burn faster at rest -Controls appetite and other addictions -Increases energy levels -Relieves stress -Slows the ageing process -Reduces cholesterol levels -Lowers high blood pressure -Reduces risk of some cancers -Promotes intestinal regularity -Increases chances of restful sleep -Strengthens leg muscles, hips and torso as well as bones -Reduces stiffness from inactivity or arthritis -Improves flexibilty and posture -Promotes healthier skin due to increased circulation -Improves mood, mental alertness -Reduces depression and improves self-esteem -Increases sexual vigour -Stops you watching so much TV. I find protracted walking makes me think lots of things. I'm tired. My feet hurt. How far is it to the next pub?... Sep 02 05, 1:08 PM

lanfranco

Maggie, you're a gem. As for you, gmack, a nice, brisk walk each day -- and not to your local -- might clear your head and help you avoid this sort of thing ... ;) Sep 02 05, 1:35 PM

McGruff

Posted on Sep 02 05 gmackematix writes: Not that inability to do so has hindered Mr Hawking's thinking. An article I have just read claims that walking: -Can improve the efficency of the heart and lungs -Increases body fat burn and raises metabolism so calories even burn faster at rest -Controls appetite and other addictions -Increases energy levels -Relieves stress -Slows the ageing process -Reduces cholesterol levels -Lowers high blood pressure -Reduces risk of some cancers -Promotes intestinal regularity -Increases chances of restful sleep -Strengthens leg muscles, hips and torso as well as bones -Reduces stiffness from inactivity or arthritis -Improves flexibilty and posture -Promotes healthier skin due to increased circulation -Improves mood, mental alertness -Reduces depression and improves self-esteem -Increases sexual vigour -Stops you watching so much TV. I find protracted walking makes me think lots of things. I'm tired. My feet hurt. How far is it to the next pub?... Sep 02 05, 1:42 PM

gmackematix

Thanks for that, Maggie and McG. Sep 03 05, 5:07 AM

Arpeggionist

I will present the following as evidence for the theory: Johannes Brahms often reffered to composing as "walking". He would walk every morning, whether he was going to compose or not, but generally the rhythm of his footseps would (I imagine) bring some clear thinking to his head when he did want to compose. Of all composers, Brahms is the one, the highest percentage of whose out put is known and in the standard repertoire (most of which is considered by some to be some of the greatest music ever written). Whatever he did in the morning, ate, or read, it was working. I myself always found the rhythm of my own footsteps to stimulate my brain. When I walk I get ideas musical and otherwise. My best ideas yet have occured to me either while walking or while looking out a plane window during takeoff. (And I have spent far more time doing the former than the latter.) Sep 03 05, 12:30 PM

gmackematix

Elgar was another composer who famously got his inspiration while walking, usually in the Malverns. Sep 04 05, 5:23 PM

daddy1161992

Since I can't walk much any more, I find that a lot of ideas pop in to my head while driving alone. The walking is done alone also, I assume. Sep 08 05, 11:17 AM

Create a Free FunTrivia ID to add to, request more/new answers, or edit this entry

More people die while playing this sport than any other? What disease do more people get than any other? Is there any observable evidence that the universe has more than three spatial dimensions? How many times more do people tend to laugh when in a group than when they are on their own?

1 You Know More Poetry Than You Think! Just as we all know a little classical music from watching old Bugs Bunny cartoons, everyone has picked up bits and tag ends of poetry. Just complete the line. Poetry Average 25 Q agony Mar 02 03 4419 plays 2 Asian Cities with More Than a Million People All of these cities (with urban agglomerations) have more than 1,000,000 inhabitants. Most are far bigger. I give you some information. You give me the name of the city. Follow the alphabet A-Z (excl.U). Asia - Cities Tough 25 Q author Oct 29 02 3318 plays 3 Walking Down “The Green Mile” This quiz is on the outstanding movie "The Green Mile", starring Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan. Keep in mind that this quiz covers the movie, not the book. I hope you enjoy it! Green Mile, The Average 10 Q AlienGoddess Jul 23 05 2775 plays