When faced with a problem, which is better:
Staying at your computer for an hour, and grinding until you figure out the solution?
or
Going for a 40 minute walk and figuring out the solution?
North America has a “sitting paradigm” for doing work. If the boss sees you staring at your monitor he might assume that you’re working. But sitting at your computer isn’t the best way to focus your mental energy. This Fast Company article suggests that the unfocused mind is the key to real breakthroughs.
Better problem solving involves getting out of the office; standing, walking, or laying down. It could include nature, exercise, or closing our eyes. Food, color, sound and textures could also stimulate creative solutions.
Sitting at a workstation doesn’t equal working hard. Stand up, get out. Problem solved.
3 responses so far ↓
1 Zach // Mar 10, 2010 at 7:08 pm
Makes sense. And really, who wouldn’t want to go for a nice walk instead of starring at a screen doing nothing?!
2 Sarah // Mar 10, 2010 at 7:09 pm
LIKE this. I always KNEW coffee breaks were the most productive part of the day. Validated!
3 dubbs // Mar 11, 2010 at 10:21 pm
woah justin! just discovered your website. i really enjoyed browsing the articles you’ve posted, and that office pod thing is amazing.
keep up the good work.
steve
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