Time to go natural

Natural wonders: boost your focus in 40 seconds

Ode to the outdoors

Let nature bring you home

How to Quest best

Why Quests work and how to use them

Experience the extraordinary amongst the ordinary

Get out to get it done

What if I were to tell you that you'll have better ideas, and more of them, when walking?

Let me tell you about the work of behavioural scientist Marily Oppezzo

In one of her studies on this stuff, she gave subjects 4 minutes to come up with as many alternate uses for a common everyday object as possible - a standard divergent thinking exercise, a way to measure creativity.

But, here's the kicker... she had some groups do the test whilst seated, others while walking on a treadmill, and others she had take a turn of each.

The seated subjects? They did fairly well, averaging about 20 useable creative ideas per person.

But the walkers – well. They almost doubled that; and that while only walking on a treadmill in a windowless room.

What's intriguing is those who did the test walking, and then again whilst seated, still benefitted from the residual effects of that initial walk. It boosted the brain's resources in a lasting way.

Combine this with the proven benefits of - mindfulness, daydreaming, and being outdoors and you have the perfect cocktail for more focus and better thinking.

So, try this... Pick a problem you need to solve. A new design, marketing strategy, or blog you need fresh ideas for. Intentionally think about it, perhaps write down the challenges involved, or just run through them in your head. Then do a Quest... Now, return to the page. Work, and enjoy the extra mental energy and creative juice.

It's a key part of building a deep work practice you'll be able to sustain and enjoy. But don't take my word for it. Follow the science, try it for yourself.

How to Quest best

What Next?