We’ve all been there—stuck in front of a computer, staring at the screen, waiting for a genius idea to strike. But nothing comes, no matter how hard you focus. Frustrating, right?
Turns out, Steve Jobs had a simple solution to this problem: he got up and went for a walk.
Jobs was famous for his walking meetings. In fact, his biographer, Walter Isaacson, mentioned that walking was his preferred way to have deep conversations and think through tough challenges. And he wasn’t alone—many of the most creative minds in history, from Charles Darwin to Mark Zuckerberg, swore by the power of walking to spark their best ideas.
So why is walking such a mental game-changer?
Recent neuroscience backs up what Jobs intuitively knew: walking helps your brain function better. When you’re stuck on a problem and nothing’s clicking, sitting there longer won’t necessarily lead to a breakthrough. Instead, experts like neuroscientist Mithu Storoni recommend what’s known as the “10-minute rule.” If you’ve been grinding on a tough problem for more than 10 minutes without a solution, it’s time to get up, move, and go for a walk.
Why does this work?
Unlike your muscles, which benefit from repetition and more effort, your brain thrives on breaks and movement. When you walk, your mind enters a state where it’s alert but also free to wander. You’re not hyper-focused on one thing, so your brain can bounce around and make new connections—exactly what you need when you’re brainstorming or solving a tricky issue.
Walking forces your attention to shift in subtle ways, whether it’s watching where you’re going or navigating your surroundings. This helps keep your brain active without getting stuck on the same thought pattern. Essentially, it gives your brain the room it needs to explore different solutions without the pressure of sitting still and “forcing” creativity.
And the best part? It’s not just about productivity at work—this approach can apply to anything in life. Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Stuck in a creative rut? Go for a walk.
So, the next time you’re sitting at your desk, struggling to crack a problem, take a cue from Steve Jobs and give the 10-minute rule a try. Step outside, clear your mind, and let your brain work in the background. You might be surprised by how much more you can achieve with just a simple walk.
(Adapted from this article)
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