"Why Walking Helps Us Think"

[jayree]

Interesting observations by Ferris Jabr in The New Yorker.

"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 comes with age, increases the volume of the hippocampus (a brain region crucial for memory), and elevates levels of molecules that both stimulate the growth of new neurons and transmit messages between them."

"Walking at our own pace creates an unadulterated feedback loop between the rhythm of our bodies and our mental state ... When we stroll, the pace of our feet naturally vacillates with our moods and the cadence of our inner speech; at the same time, we can actively change the pace of our thoughts by deliberately walking more briskly or by slowing down.

http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/walking-helps-us-think?src=mp

 

[Jabaldo]

When ever I have a problem or an issue that needs attention I have always gone for a walk. I always seemed to come up with an answer to the problem. Now I know why. Thank you for the info.

 

[wayfarer]

Works for me all the time. More people should walk instead of fighting.

 

[William Garza]

A long walk in the rain always works for me!

 

[barber1586]

Jayree,

The article was interesting and encouraging. Thanks for sharing it!

Best regards,
Mary

 

[pilgrim b]

Solvitur Ambulando - it is solved by walking

Thank you for posting this article.

A quote of Saint Augustine Lise T if you didn't know already!

 

[crackmrmac]

"Solvitur Ambulando " Thumbs up from me. I also enjoyed reading The Way is Made by Walking.
Buen Camino.

 

[Arn]

Have you ever noticed when the ambulance arrives and they must cross a field, a street or football pitch to get to the person in need...they walk the gurney. Even if folks are in a panic and cannot understand why they are taking their time...they approach with caution. Why?
The reasons are many, but here are a few:
1. As they approach they are actively looking for danger:
a. Down power lines
b. Outside threats to the victim and, possibly, themselves
c. The most direct, yet safe, way of approach (a gurney in a muddy field may never arrive)
d. Observe the victim and assess the immediate need for additional and critical support...more EMTs, Angel Flight Helo, police, etc.
The WALK opens their eyes, calms their person and prepares them for action.
When you rush along the Camino, or any walkway, speed is not your friend. The brain is cataloging "normal".
If you live back home with bulls that know you, there's a good chance they will not pose a threat.
If you rush past a bull on the Camino, your brain may not immediately register "danger" leading to an less than happy result.
Buen "walking slowly" Camino,
Arn

 

[Jabaldo]

Have you ever noticed when the ambulance arrives and they must cross a field, a street or football pitch to get to the person in need...they walk the gurney. Even if folks are in a panic and cannot understand why they are taking their time...they approach with caution. Why?
The reasons are many, but here are a few:
1. As they approach they are actively looking for danger:
a. Down power lines
b. Outside threats to the victim and, possibly, themselves
c. The most direct, yet safe, way of approach (a gurney in a muddy field may never arrive)
d. Observe the victim and assess the immediate need for additional and critical support...more EMTs, Angel Flight Helo, police, etc.
The WALK opens their eyes, calms their person and prepares them for action.
When you rush along the Camino, or any walkway, speed is not your friend. The brain is cataloging "normal".
If you live back home with bulls that know you, there's a good chance they will not pose a threat.
If you rush past a bull on the Camino, your brain may not immediately register "danger" leading to an less than happy result.
Buen "walking slowly" Camino,
Arn

Great insight, I have a tendency to do everything in a hurry. I must keep reminding myself that this is not a race, take my time enjoy were I am at that moment and just enjoy my surroundings. Live in the present not the future of we must get to the next Alberque so we don't miss out on a bed.
Buen Camino to me next week