This Small Change to Your Workday Will Improve Creative Thinking

Summary

The article advocates for incorporating walking meetings into the workday to enhance creative thinking, physical health, and overall wellbeing, especially in the context of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

The article discusses the benefits of walking meetings, a concept that has been around for years but has gained renewed relevance during the pandemic. The author reflects on their colleague's decision to take a walking meeting, which prompts them to consider why they haven't adopted this practice despite having a suitable environment for it. The author notes the common issue of reduced physical activity and the so-called "COVID kilos" due to sedentary work-from-home routines. In contrast, the author mentions a collaborator who became fitter during lockdown by adopting an active lifestyle with a standing desk and hand weights. Citing a study, the article highlights that walking, even indoors on a treadmill, can significantly boost creative thinking. The author also shares their personal experience with short movement breaks and the productivity gains from adopting a schedule similar to their children's remote learning routine. The article emphasizes that walking meetings offer more than just physical benefits; they provide a mental break from screen multitasking and can lead to more thoughtful engagement. While acknowledging that not all meetings are suitable for walking, the author plans to incorporate walkable meetings into their routine and invites others to join them.

Opinions

The author believes that walking meetings can lead to increased creative thinking and productivity.
There is an observation that the pandemic and remote work have led to a decrease in physical activity and an increase in sedentary behavior.
The author suggests that the work-from-home model has not been fully leveraged for its potential flexibility and health benefits.
The article posits that even indoor walking, such as on a treadmill, can be beneficial for creativity when outdoor walking is not feasible.
The author expresses that incorporating regular breaks and movement into the workday can enhance health and empower individuals.
The author recognizes that while some meetings require note-taking or video conferencing, there are opportunities to integrate walking meetings when these constraints do not apply.
The author encourages others to adopt walking meetings as a way to improve wellbeing and engagement during work.

Plan ahead to walk away and still remain productive

“I’m taking a walking meeting”

A colleague typed into the chat before they, assumedly, walked out the door.

Walking meetings aren’t new. Five years ago a popular article in the Harvard Business Review described How to Do Walking Meetings Right. But, in those five years, I have never been invited on a walking meeting. And this is despite working for four of them on a picturesque campus where you could easily amble for 30 minutes without completing a loop.

And this year, I have worked from home since March.

As my colleague increased their step count and got some fresh air and vitamin D, I wondered why I have not done the same over the last six months.

And I’m not alone. Many have complained of their COVID kilos that resulted from walking only to the kitchen. As an educator, I have replaced walking from one class venue to another and moving through 3-hour laboratory classes with sitting in front of a screen.

In contrast, a collaborator told me they used the lockdown period and their work from home status to become fitter. A standing desk, hand weights and a philosophy of ‘move whenever possible’ made it possible.

But, walking meetings don’t have other benefits, with one study showing walking increases creative thinking — even if it is raining outside and you simply use the treadmill.

I wrote here previously on how I added short movement breaks my workdays. After realising my days were more productive when I had worked to the children's remote learning schedule with regular breaks and the benefits of stand and stretch sessions held during some online conferences.

But a walking meeting doesn't just provide an opportunity to move. The change of environment from indoors to outdoors can only improve wellbeing. And a break from the screen both rests the eyes and provides a break from the multitasking we have all taken up during meetings — I have quite a few email exchanges with colleagues during meetings that aren’t on the agenda items.

My colleague was not less engaged and commented thoughtfully.

Working from home, for me, has not brought more flexibility. I haven’t really changed my work practices to maximise the opportunities this new situation has presented. Mostly, I have simply sat at my desk early due to the lack of a commute.

Not all my meetings are ‘walkable’. For many, I need to consult notes or to have a camera on, but I will look ahead each week and see if any are walkable. Then after the usual cameras on chat, I’ll try putting in some airpods and heading out the door.

Who is joining me?