A Walk, a Shower, Yard Work and a Long Ride

No, this isn't a 21st-century list for Johnny Carson's Carnac the Magnificent. If you're wondering what they have in common, the answer is this: All four are head-clearing activities.

According to this article, taking a walk or shower will actually increase blood flow to your brain. No wonder I get my best ideas when I'm washing my hair or working my legs.

I have a plaque on the side of my house that says, "An hour in the garden puts life's problems in perspective." And it's true. Between the physical exercise and the peacefulness of my yard, not to mention the feeling of accomplishment, I find yard work helps drain away my tension and raise my endorphin level, meaning I think more clearly.

As for the long ride: Several years ago, a dear friend died much too young of a rare form of cancer. I was sad. I was furious. And it was so unfair. All of these intense emotions were affecting me in every area of my life -- including my job.

Back then, I traveled for work quite a bit, and I was asked to drive from the Boston area to Rochester, New York, for a press conference. It worked out well, because I was going back to Syracuse to see some friends graduate, and I could head an hour or so west to Rochester afterwards.

If you've ever driven on the New York State Thruway, you know it's one long, boring road. But that's exactly what I needed. On that memorable ride, I started to come to terms with my friend's death -- and most importantly, my reaction to it. When I walked back into the office on Monday morning, more than one person noted I looked more peaceful. And I started to get my groove back at work.

So if you're stymied by a problem and just need a break, don't be afraid to take one. It can be as simple as turning on the shower, pulling some weeds, walking around the block or grabbing your car keys. Both your psyche and your work will thank you.

Share this post: Digg, StumbleUpon, del.icio.us, Facebook, Twitter, etc.