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Our brains were shaped and sharpened by movement, the idea goes, and we continue to require regular physical activity in order for our brains to function optimally.
Photo Nov 24, 10 27 30 AM on Flickr.
Thinking Exercise
Exercise is integral to creative thinking and persistence. I stumbled upon two articles today that emphasize this importance.
Maria Popova of BrainPicker, explains how simple movement improved her focus:
When my body is moving, it’s almost like it takes the wind out of this mental spinning, and I’m able to focus.
Famous Japanese author, Haruki Murakami, explains how running strengthened his will to write:
Most of what I know about writing I’ve learned through running every day. These are practical, physical lessons. How much can I push myself?
Writing requires creativity, focus, and endurance; just like exercise.
The physical world is ultimately the source of all inspiration. Which is to say, if all else falls: take a bike ride.
In short, leave the computer to restart the creative system. This could be anything from a walk to a bike ride to riding on a plane with no access to email.
Wonderful things happen when your brain is empty. - (link)
“The chair-based lifestyle”
The design of the human being is to be a mobile entity. - James Levine
Man is not made to be stationery. We are born to walk, run, and hunt. Our bones are designed for survival.
But we sit all day long. It starts in Elementary school and lasts the rest of our lives, through work and into retirement.
Excessive sitting is a lethal activity. - James Levine
Sittings kills you. If you don’t move often, you’ll get fat, sleepy, a bad heart, and you’ll be under productive.
If you’re not a runner, then just walk. 15 minutes of movement or 2,000 steps prevents you from gaining weight. If you want to lose weight, you’re going to have to run and eat right.
Exercise combined with a healthy diet keep both body and mind fit. But don’t forget to take breaks and walk about. Thanks to Steve Jobs, an avid walker, you can answer emails and social network on your phone. You may even want to consider standing while working. My mom does this and remains hyper active all day, enough to come home and take care of three hungry boys.
My favorite part about walking are the meditative, creative, and discovery benefits. When we’re more relaxed, our perspective is deeper. We’re more open to life’s possibilities.
In short, move. Move more often than you think. Your life and productivity depend on it.
The target for 2015 will be to climb up and down Mount Everest as fast as possible…
Track Kílian Jornet Burgada’s wants to run the world’s mountains.
I am a competitor. I like to compete, to go beyond, to search for my limits.
Track his progress and read his philosophy here.
