There comes a point during a gentle run, usually at the 20 minute mark or so, where suddenly - for me at least - an idea pops out of thin air, a problem is solved.
Does this ever happen to you? As an keen runner, and always with a problem to solve, I thought to dig a little deeper.
As ever, please talk to your doctor, or medical practitioner most familiar with your medical history before implementing any changes in diet, exercise or lifestyle; especially if you are under treatment. See links to related studies at bottom of page.
Ideas might come 'out of thin air' when you're jogging because your mind enters a more relaxed and open state, which allows for creative thinking. I am still conducting research but here are a few reasons why this happens:
Physical Activity Boosts Brain Function. Jogging increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that can enhance cognitive function.
Endorphin Release. Exercise, especially cardio, releases endorphins - your brain's feel-good chemicals. These can elevate mood and reduce mental stress, allowing the mind to wander more freely and creatively.
Distraction-Free State. Jogging pulls us away from distractions like screens, social media, or work-related pressures. This mental break creates the ideal environment for unexpected thoughts or "eureka" moments to emerge.
Flow State. A person experiences a state of flow when they become fully absorbed in a task. In this state, they lose track of time, stop questioning their purpose or evaluating their performance and instead maintain a focus on the activity at hand. This state allows me mind to access deeper thoughts or ideas that might not surface when I'm otherwise focused or running at a harder effort. Read more here.
Quiet Mind. During a jog, you’re typically not consciously trying to solve a problem, which can help your brain make connections subconsciously. When you're less focused on forcing a solution, your brain has the space to connect ideas in new ways.
I am lucky that I run in a safe, warm, manicured environment. Plenty of long pathways to enjoy. There are few roads to cross and the repetitive, rhythmic nature of slow and easy runs (somewhere in the low to mid Zone 2) puts my mind into a mild, meditative state.
In essence, easy running - jogging - frees the mind from constraints, allowing creativity and problem-solving abilities to surface naturally. I would love to hear about your experience. Please feel free to share in Comments at bottom of page, or direct message via WhatsApp.
Stay Healthy,
Alastair
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Related Studies
Rosen D, Oh Y, Chesebrough C, Zhang FZ, Kounios J. Creative flow as optimized processing: Evidence from brain oscillations during jazz improvisations by expert and non-expert musicians. Neuropsychologia. 2024 Apr 15;196:108824. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2024.108824. Epub 2024 Feb 21. PMID: 38387554.
Antonini Philippe R, Singer SM, Jaeger JEE, Biasutti M, Sinnett S. Achieving Flow: An Exploratory Investigation of Elite College Athletes and Musicians. Front Psychol. 2022 Mar 30;13:831508. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.831508. PMID: 35432058; PMCID: PMC9009586.
Gold J, Ciorciari J. A Review on the Role of the Neuroscience of Flow States in the Modern World. Behav Sci (Basel). 2020 Sep 9;10(9):137. doi: 10.3390/bs10090137. PMID: 32916878; PMCID: PMC7551835.
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