I take some exercise just about every day.
To keep physically fit, yes, but also to help my mind work.
And it's led to me noticing something fascinating.
(Apart from the beautiful scenery I like to enjoy, such as this:)
Scientific health warning here.
This is just my experience, based on a few weeks of my own exercise.
But! It seems so consistent and fascinating I thought it was worth sharing.
Because it might be very useful to others, when you need to get your creativity pumping.
I do a variety of exercise.
A 12 to 14k run twice a week…
A jog another twice a week, along with some weights…
At least a couple of hours walking on the other days, when work permits.
But no matter what form the exercise might take, this is the curious conclusion.
Whenever I set out, I always give myself several things to think about.
They could be issues with a book I’m writing…
A lecture course I’m putting together…
Even coming up with ideas for a blog.
For the first part of the exercise, my mind remains stubbornly blank.
It’s as though my creativity is sulking.
It didn’t want to come out, it didn’t want to be disturbed, so it’s not going to play.
But here’s the strange thing.
There seems to be a threshold moment when my mind engages.
And it’s always remarkably consistent.
Anywhere from 28 minutes into my journey, to 32 minutes…
The thoughts will suddenly start to materialise.
How strange is that?
I don’t want to think too much about why.
I’m not sure I’d like the answers, or what they might reveal about my mind.
All I know is that it happens, it’s a great way of kickstarting your creativity…
And so I thought it was worth sharing.
Not least to find out whether anyone else might have the same experience?
If you do, let me know.
If not, then please don’t get in touch.
I often worry I’m weird enough, without further evidence to support that conclusion!
