Whether writing is a side-passion, a hobby in your life or your primary source of income, there are bound to be days when you do not feel like you’re reaching your creative peak. Especially if you write five to seven days per week, it’s not uncommon to encounter challenges regarding creativity. The next time you feel like this, take a nature walk.
A scientific journal published research findings, which stated that spending time immersed in nature and away from technology for several consecutive days boosts problem-solving skills. Even if you don’t have several days in a row to spare, however, just taking one long nature walk can help get your creative juices flowing again.
Green space is the new term for nature
Long ago, we used to simply referred to the outdoors as nature, but the fancy term used nowadays is green space. The British Journal of Sports Medicine shared information about the positive effect that a nature walk can have on the brain. According to the article published in 2013, walking in a green space for 25 minutes is enough to give your brain some rest while boosting creativity.
Various regions of the brain control separate functions
The part of the brain you use to solve complex problems or to engage in behavior that involves planning or interacting with others is known as the prefrontal cortex. It’s this part of your brain that enters a restful state when you take a nature walk. Once this area becomes relaxed, the region of your brain that controls imagination and creative-thinking kicks into a higher gear.
A nature walk sparks new ideas and revives old ones
When you’re walking in the woods or around a park or other space in nature, your senses become immersed in your surroundings. You see things, hear things and, perhaps, smell things or touch things. This process might evoke memories of your childhood or a special time you shared with someone you love as an adult.
Taking a nature walk also spurs new ideas. The combination of these two cognitive functions—memories plus new experiences—sets the creative sparks flying. Whether you intentionally try to create a new idea or have one of those lightbulb moments where an idea spontaneously comes to mind, a nature walk might be just what you need to boost creativity.
Writing is easier when your mind and body are healthy
If you were to earn a living as an athlete, it would no doubt be obvious that keeping your mind and body healthy would help you do your job better. As a writer, you might not necessarily think of the associations between good health and your ability to write. However, keeping your mind and body in good shape can definitely aid you in the writing process.
Taking a nature walk several times per week is good for your physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health. Give it a try, and see if it provides a boost of creative inspiration that lays the groundwork for a new story idea or helps you tie up the loose ends in a novel you’ve been working on for some time.
