From Edie: Scientific studies show walking boosts creativity and productivity. Learn why writers should take a daily walk to improve focus, creativity, and writing output.
Why Writers Should Take a Daily Walk to Boost Creativity and Writing Output
by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT
Your writing creativity and output would benefit from a daily walk. Maybe you’re dreaming of completing a book that’s been on your heart for a while. Perhaps you need to finish that book proposal instead of procrastinating. Whatever you hope 2026 holds for your writing, don’t forget to schedule a daily walk.
What Science Has Discovered
Scientific studies from Stanford University found overwhelming evidence that walking increased creativity. Creativity levels were examined based on whether participants walked or sat. The remarkable discovery was that creativity levels were sixty percent higher among those who walked. Other similar studies found that walking boosted creativity by over eighty percent.
How Walking Boosts Creative Output
Walking is how God designed us to move around the environment. Our ancestors walked much more each day than we do. In Jesus' time, He walked many miles between communities. Today in America, the average adult walks about 1.5 to 2 miles a day (3,000 to 4,000 steps). An amount far less than the recommended 3.75 to 5 miles (7,500 to 10,000 steps) daily.
When we walk, our blood starts moving, bringing oxygen to all parts of our bodies, especially our brains, where our creativity lies. Sitting and staring at our computer screen, while not the worst way to dream up something extraordinary, can make the cardiovascular system (heart, lungs, and circulatory system) sluggish. Taking a walk, even a short one, wakes your body up.
The repetitive motions of walking tend to relax the mind and allow daydreaming. Many of the world’s most amazing ideas popped forth during a daydream. When walking, our minds tend to default to not thinking much about anything, and that’s when God often reveals something amazing.
Whether You Should Walk Inside or Outside
Studies show walking inside on a treadmill facing a wall is effective. Walking outside also boosts creative juices. Neither boosts creativity more than the other. But for me, walking outside works better. Hearing the breeze blow through the leaves, smelling the salt from the ocean, or hearing the chickadees chirp calms my mind and allows me to talk to God and listen more freely.
The essential takeaway for writers is to walk daily. Whether making laps inside your home when the weather is bad, walking on a treadmill at the gym while listening to Christian music, or strolling at the park, you should walk each day.
How Much Should You Walk
For maximum health, aim for 7,500 steps or 3.75 miles. If you’re currently sedentary, start slow and progress slowly. When you begin too quickly, you’ll become sore and discouraged. Plus, failure to start slowly leads to injury. When you can’t walk for whatever reason, begin again when you can.
Schedule Your Daily Walk
If you’re like me, the day gets busy with appointments and errands, and your walking doesn’t get done. When I schedule my walk, and work appointments and errands around it, my chances of success skyrocket.
As you plan your 2026 writing goals, I hope you’ll plan to walk each day. While walking, pray and chat with God. Maybe recite or memorize Scriptures, or allow yourself to enjoy relaxation.
My best creativity appears when I’ve walked far enough to relax, which for me is around the 3-mile mark. It may be different for you at first, but you’ll find that the more you walk, the farther you’ll walk, and the more you’ll crave the activity.
What are some creative ideas God has brought to your mind while walking?
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