"Walking meetings" - Walking towards better ideas: How walking during meetings improves creativity and concentration

 Walking towards better ideas: How walking during meetings improves creativity and concentration

In today's world, where remote work often confines us to one chair and desk, traditional meetings in closed conference rooms or in front of a computer screen are slowly losing their appeal. Meanwhile, "walking meetings," or meetings on the move, are becoming the ideal antidote to the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Did you know that you can take your MS Teams phone on a walk and participate in a meeting while strolling around the area? And if the weather doesn't cooperate, walking around the room during a conversation is still a better option than sitting on the couch! In this article, we'll look at the scientific evidence supporting the benefits of walking during meetings and examples of well-known individuals who have made this tool a regular part of their work.

What does science say about walking and brain function?

Scientific research has repeatedly shown that physical activity, even in the form of moderate walking, has a positive impact on brain function. Below are a few key mechanisms that support this:

1. Increased blood flow to the brain
   During walking, the heart pumps more blood, ensuring better oxygenation and nutrition of brain cells. This, in turn, supports cognitive processes such as concentration, memory, and strategic thinking.

2. Neurogenesis and cognitive flexibility
   Regular movement supports the creation of new neurons in the hippocampus – the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning. A study by Stanford University found that walking can increase creativity by up to 60%, which is particularly important during problem-solving and brainstorming (Stanford University).

3. Release of endorphins and serotonin
   Physical activity promotes the production of neurotransmitters responsible for improving mood, reducing stress, and supporting better focus.

4. Stress reduction
   Walking lowers cortisol levels – the stress hormone – allowing for more efficient mental work and team collaboration.

Famous advocates of walking meetings

Walking as a form of meeting has gained recognition among many prominent figures in the business, politics, and philosophy worlds. Here are a few inspiring examples:

• Steve Jobs: The co-founder of Apple regularly organized business walks, believing that movement supports creativity and facilitates problem-solving. Meetings during walks were particularly popular during strategic decision-making moments.

• Barack Obama: The former President of the United States often walked in the White House gardens, discussing key decisions with advisors. This form of meeting helped him not only better focus on tasks but also cope with the stress associated with presidential duties.

• Mark Zuckerberg: The founder of Facebook prefers walks during recruitment conversations and strategic discussions, claiming that this format promotes openness and efficiency.

• Aristotle: The philosopher and his students conducted lectures while walking, which gave rise to the term "peripatetics," from the Greek word meaning "walking." Even in ancient times, the connection between movement and thinking was recognized.

Benefits of walking meetings for health and efficiency

1. Improved creativity
   Stanford University research has proven that walking increases the ability to generate new ideas, making it an ideal tool for brainstorming.

2. Greater concentration
   Movement reduces fatigue and improves the ability to focus, which is particularly important during long discussions.

3. Better interpersonal relationships
   Walking creates a less formal atmosphere, promoting openness and building bonds between participants.

4. Physical health
   Regular walking helps maintain a healthy weight, improves circulation, and reduces the risk of heart disease.

How to introduce walking meetings?

To make walking meetings effective, it's worth remembering a few principles:

• Choose a route that doesn't distract and is comfortable for all participants.

• Set the goal of the meeting before starting the walk.

• Ensure the ability to note ideas, e.g., on a phone or in a note-taking app.

• Introduce this form of meeting gradually, starting with less formal discussions.

Summary

Walking meetings are not just a trendy phenomenon but also a tool based on solid scientific foundations. The benefits for the brain, such as improved concentration, creativity, and cognitive abilities, make more and more leaders and teams decide to introduce this form of meeting. Inspiring examples of well-known individuals, such as Steve Jobs or Barack Obama, show that movement can be the key to more productive work and better health. So, next time, instead of booking a conference room, suggest a walk and experience the benefits firsthand.