3 Reasons Writers Need to Go Outside and Take a Walk Now

Writing is a wonderful craft that allows us to share thoughts, information and maybe even inspire others in some way.  It requires discipline, tenacity, and if we are to practice this craft long-term, self-care.
 
The act of writing often requires long sessions of sitting, most often in front of a computer.  Lucky for us, there is an antidote for the potential job hazards a writer may incur.  It lies right outside our door.
 
Let’s take a look at three, although there are many more reasons, we may want to stop what we are doing right now, or schedule breaks during our day, to go outside and take a walk.
 
ONE:  A walk outdoors can boost our creativity.  A study comparing walking in different settings found that walking outdoors has the most beneficial impact on stimulating the free flow of ideas.
 
Do you take a stroll in nature to enhance your writing?  I know I do.  I always venture outdoors and meander, or power walk around the neighborhood, or in a local park.  The ideas that flow into my mind can be almost overwhelming at times.  The ideas that I want to hold onto, I dictate into the Voice Memos app on my phone to record them in rough draft.  Some, I transcribe later for various writing projects.
 
TWO:  Writing is generally a solo journey.  Isolation and loneliness can be a side-effect.  Walking outdoors often leads to contact with other people, which may present a chance to have a chat, especially if they have a cute puppy with them.

THREE:  Taking steps in natural surroundings is good for our overall health.  According the Center for Disease Control, one in four American adults sits for longer than eight hours every day.  Our sedentary habit even has a new name, sitting disease, and has been called the new smoking.  The American Heart Foundation outlines the many negative consequences of sitting and ways you can improve breaking the habit of prolonged sitting.

Does walking outdoors awaken your creativity?  Share how in the comments section below.

To learn more about how walking can enhance your health and well-being, I invite you to listen to this podcast, while you are outside taking your walk: The Joys and Benefits of Walking with no Destination from 1a.

Don't stop there. Visit The Nature Nurse™, PLLC website where there are an enormous amount content on how engaging with nature can enhance your joy, and improve your holistic health. Be sure to sign up for our free e-newsletter.