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Why Walking Helps Us Think (2014)

newyorker.com

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Re: Why Walking Helps Us Think (2014)

#31

Post by coldtea »

bootload wrote: post #4

". When we go for a walk, the heart pumps faster, circulating more blood and oxygen not just to the muscles but to all the organs—including the brain. Many experiments have shown that after or during exercise, even very mild exertion, people perform better on tests of memory and attention. Walking on a regular basis also promotes new connections between brain cells, staves off the usual withering of brain tissue that…

>The next line about walking being easy tells me you live in a flat area with no obstacles

Unless you live on a mountain-top or near minefields, walking is still very easy compared to most other options except sitting and laying on a bed.

And even if you do live in such a place, it's usually pretty trivial to find a non-mountainous/non-obstacled path to walk in the surrounding area. Didn't say it has to be just next to your door.

Re: Why Walking Helps Us Think (2014)

#33

Post by coldtea »

agentgt wrote: post #18

For those that want to perhaps burn more calories or for whatever reason want to make it more challenging I recommend rucking. That is take a backpack and put like 35 pounds in it. I highly recommend it.

How does that work for back health? Sounds something that will cause extra strain in an unstructured way.

Re: Why Walking Helps Us Think (2014)

#34

Post by henrik_w »

hownottowrite wrote: post #26

If you like this article you should probably read, Frédéric Gros' A Philosophy of Walking [0]. His book came out in 2014 and inspired a brief flurry of articles focused on the more esoteric effects of taking a stroll. [0] - https://www.versobooks.com/books/1865-a-philosophy-of-walkin...

The link doesn't work (missing a b), but this one does:

https://www.versobooks.com/books/1865-a-philosophy-of-walkin...

Re: Why Walking Helps Us Think (2014)

#36

Post by hownottowrite »

henrik_w wrote: post #34
hownottowrite wrote: post #26

If you like this article you should probably read, Frédéric Gros' A Philosophy of Walking [0]. His book came out in 2014 and inspired a brief flurry of articles focused on the more esoteric effects of taking a stroll. [0] - https://www.versobooks.com/books/1865-a-philosophy-of-walkin...

The link doesn't work (missing a b), but this one does: https://www.versobooks.com/books/1865-a-philosophy-of-walkin...

Corrected. Very odd that b went missing - thanks!

Re: Why Walking Helps Us Think (2014)

#37

Post by agumonkey »

petra wrote: post #21
agumonkey wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I do chores as yoga exercise, never thought of adding podcast to the blend..

I work in manufacturing, and sometimes i listen to podcasts, but sometimes i meditate(like tai-chi, attention to body movements) while working. Meditating is harder(and coffee is helpful), but when successful, is much more satisfying.

I'm still not sure I approached a meditative state by "meditating". When I play drums I do get into a slight trance / bliss where I kinda become music and my mind shifts off.

Re: Why Walking Helps Us Think (2014)

#38

Post by repeek »

coldtea wrote: post #33
agentgt wrote: post #18

For those that want to perhaps burn more calories or for whatever reason want to make it more challenging I recommend rucking. That is take a backpack and put like 35 pounds in it. I highly recommend it.

How does that work for back health? Sounds something that will cause extra strain in an unstructured way.

Rucking is more than dropping a kettlebell in a JanSport -- you will want a rucksack that is designed to properly support a balanced load on your back.

I recently picked up a GoRuck GR1 [0] -- it's an amazing bag for everyday use. They also sell weighted ruck plates that fit the rucks and keep the load close to your body.

[0] http://www.goruck.com/gr1-explained

Re: Why Walking Helps Us Think (2014)

#39

Post by dexterdog »

bendavis381 wrote: post #24
realharo wrote: post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It also works with audiobooks. It's especially great if you can't find the time to read books the traditional way.

Audible 2x during any walk or mindless activity means you can easily get through a book a week without any lifestyle changes. Literally has changed me life.

I do all of my podcast from 2-2.4x depending on the speaker. Silence skipping gets it to an effective 3x speed. Most people hear me listening for brief periods and wonder how I understand any of it. It's a progression to get there, but it is totally doable. I'm sure some people can go faster, but I just tell them to go up .1x at a time until it sounds right.

Re: Why Walking Helps Us Think (2014)

#40

Post by repeek »

0xFFC wrote: post #9

Sorry I didn't have time to read completely, I will read this when I have free time. But I wanted to mention this is completely reverse for me. Over the years I have found my body and mind are complete opposite side of each other. I have to complete stay moveless, and when I stay moveless for awhile that's when my mind will work at its extreme capacity. Moving, Walking, Talking, Writing, everything is kinda distracti…

Have you tried a float tank (aka Sensory Deprivation tank)?
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