Me and my sweet girl three years ago. 

Last night my ten year old daughter, Reina, asks me a question:  "Hey, mom, what do you think about when you run?" She is concerned because this week she is being timed on running the mile in school.   My answer, "Rocky, the theme song."  To me there is nothing more motivational than thinking about that character running up those stairs on that cold morning in Philly.  Most of the time I am listening to some wonderful motivational songs on my playlist.  (By the way, I've cut my running way down after 40 as I found my hips, knees and hamstrings were getting injured too often).  

Reina tells me that she can't stop coming up with stories when she runs.  Interesting, I thought, as her dad is a professional writer.  Must be in the genes.

Well, today, I am perusing my files and I come across an LA Times article from May 3, 2014 in the Science section by Deborah Netburn.  She states that "People generate more ideas when they walk then when they sit."  She takes this from research published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology:  Learning, Memory and Cognition.  

Marily Oppezzo, a professor and lead author of the study tested 176 individuals on their creativity both while seated and while walking on a treadmill.  Researchers found that 80% of the participants improved their creative output while walking.  They also tested if brain power was improved overall and did not find this to be the case.

The researchers' conclusions do not have a clear explanation. Their hypothesis suggests that walking may interfere with the brain's ability to filter thoughts.  Others feel it may increase arousal in the brain.  

What we can conclude is that if you are feeling stuck, going out for a walk can do double duty.  You get some valuable exercise and a creativity boost to boot!