by Rebecca Cochran

What is it about walking? It’s a topic that shows up in the news often. I wrote about the benefits of walking in this space not long ago. In my post, I refer to walking as “nature’s cure-all.” A daily walk allows me to solve problems and experience creative breakthroughs.

Walking is also a popular research topic.

According to a new study by a group of Dutch researchers from Leiden University, “physical activity increases our ability to think flexibly.” Their research found that those who engage in regular exercise are more likely to excel in creative thinking, both convergent and divergent, than those who don’t. Check out the study results here.

Coincidently, last week, I caught a post on The New York Times’ “Well” blog entitled “Why a Brisk Walk is Better.” The author, Gretchen Reynolds, refers to another new study revealing that although walking fast or slow is certainly good exercise, walking at a brisk pace is better. In other words, intensity matters. Read her post here.

In his book, Thinking, Fast and Slow, author and winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics, Daniel Kahneman, recounts a study conducted in a German university. The study found that students who were asked to walk around a room at a pace much slower than their normal pace, caused those students to quickly relate to words and concepts having to do with old age.

Walking is natural and effortless (for most of us). Years ago, I made it a part of my daily routine. I’m convinced that good things come to those who walk – fast or slow.

I’d like to hear from you. How do you use walking to enhance your life?