Hacker News Reader

I find that walking makes me more creative because its so boring. My mind starts to wander and try and entertain itself. Its nice to get out and enjoy nature, but on the whole I find that walking is mentally beneficial because it reduces stimulus and allows my mind to explore ideas.

View on HN

I think its related to body being a distraction all the time for the mind. The action of walking, riding a bicycle or just keeping your hands busy with sufficiently automated work, keeps your mind free of the bodily distractions, since body is already busy.

I think this is the mechanism behind the shower effect too.

Anything mindless, when I’m stuck on a problem I often go and wash the dishes.

When I'm in the kitchen I'll put on cable news, which is also mindless but of a different type. I should try doing it in silence.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com