Walking works wonders for your brain health!

Increased Ability to Think and Remember

A study done by NeuroImage shows that exercise, such as walking, can renovate the white matter in your brain (the network of nerves that allows your gray matter to communicate).  This increase in plasticity improves your ability to think and remember.   The effect continues even as you age.  Many studies have confirmed that the increased blood flow to the brain from walking lowers your risk of cognitive decline and dementia by 30%!  Should the new saying be ‘a walk a day keeps dementia at bay’?

Increased Creativity

Ever paced when you needed a boost of creative energy?  You aren't alone.  A study done by Stanford University showed a 60% increase in creativity while a person walked or shortly after they sat back down.  And not just going outside for a walk:  "A person walking indoors – on a treadmill in a room facing a blank wall – or walking outdoors in the fresh air produced twice as many creative responses compared to a person sitting down."

Increased Focus

The University of North Carolina and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development did separate studies on how exercise can affect concentration in both children and adults. Both studies found that a 20 minute walk can enhance concentration for up to an hour. This suggests that taking a break from hard problems or academic endeavors every hour is needed for our brain health. It also means that after a walk is the best time to tackle that complex problem or assignment. 

 Walking is a Proven Brain Benefit

Taking a 20 minute walk every hour to increase your focus and concentration is a proven strategy to make your workday more productive. It is also a great investment in your brain health for your future memories as well. So why aren't we doing it?  Answer: there just isn't enough time in the day or our rigorous schedules to fit it in. 

The RiseEight Solution to Walking More

The RiseEight Desk aims to solve that without taking 1 extra minute of your day.  Trade your office chair for a walk while you read essays, create spreadsheets, answer emails, or attend a video conference call.  Your brain will thank you for it.  

Sources:

UNC, NIH, NeuroImage, Stanford University