The next time you feel stuck or have a problem you can’t solve, I encourage you to try a productive meditation. Occupy yourself with a routine activity and contemplate a well-defined problem, with the precise goal of finding a solution. The change of pace allows you to access big-picture thinking, a chance to mentally step back and look at things from a different perspective. Discover how this simple act can help you not only to survive, but also to thrive in the face of academic pressures. At the very least, you’ll have taken a refreshing, short break, and as a bonus, you’re likely to encourage fresh creative connections or craft an innovative, unexpected solution to your obstacle.
This is the conclusion of a great column from astrobiologist Erin Gibbons. When she is stuck on a problem, she sometimes finds it best to just walk away.
I start by defining the problem and then set a clear objective by asking myself, “What exactly do I want to accomplish during this session?” I then gather my thoughts on what I already know to be relevant to the problem and begin my walk. This mental priming helps to keep me on track and makes it easier to notice when my mind starts to wander away from my goal. When I notice myself losing focus, I acknowledge the distraction, reassure myself that I can return to that nagging thought later, and repeat the problem statement I started with. Once mastered, the mental boost is noticeable. This walking practice has been one of the single most valuable tools I have picked up during my PhD.
Studies have found that walking significantly enhances creativity, improves memory recall and promotes neural network plasticity 1 (the growth and reorganization of functional connections between brain cells). One study found that walking specifically enhances ‘divergent thinking’ 2, which is the creative process of brainstorming original ideas and fresh possibilities, as opposed to the process of identifying familiar solutions to problems. These benefits are perfectly suited to serve academics — from designing creative experimental interventions to old problems, to finding connections among seemingly disparate data, to communicating results in an effective manner.
- Voss, M. W. et al. Front. Aging Neurosci. 2, 32 (2010).
- Oppezzo, M. & Schwartz, D. L. J. Exp. Psychol. Learn. Mem. Cogn. 40, 1142–1152 (2014).
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One response to “I must admit … meditative walking is, indeed, a practice.”
This is a great read that encourages us to use productive meditation to tackle problems and find solutions. The suggestion to take a refreshing break by doing a routine activity and mentally stepping back to look at things from a different perspective is very effective in promoting creativity and improving memory recall. Thank you for sharing this valuable insight!
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