Run Jenny run

It’s not uncommon for runners to report feeling a sense of clarity and increased productivity after a run. In fact, this is something I’ve experienced as a runner. When I lace up my trainers and hit the road or trail, it feels as though all the stress and distractions of the day melt away and I’m able to fully focus on my writing in a way I’m not able to while sitting at my desk.

But what is it about running that has this seemingly miraculous effect on the mind?

Running has long been touted as a powerful tool for boosting creativity and problem-solving abilities. But is there any science to back up these claims?

One study, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology in 2014, set out to investigate the relationship between aerobic exercise and creative thinking. The researchers recruited a group of sedentary college students and had them engage in either 20 minutes of moderate intensity cycling or 20 minutes of quiet reading. After the intervention, the participants completed a series of tests with the purpose of measuring their creative problem-solving skills.

The results of the study were striking: the students who took part in the cycling intervention showed significantly higher levels of creative thinking compared to those who spent 20 minutes reading. In fact, the creative problem-solving scores of the cycling group were equivalent to those of individuals who had scored in the top 98th percentile on a similar test.

But what was it about the cycling intervention that led to such a marked improvement in creativity? The researchers conjectured the increased blood flow and oxygenation to the brain that occurs during aerobic exercise may play a role in enhancing cognitive function. They also suggested the mental challenge of cycling (For example, navigating a set course, monitoring speed and endurance) may have engaged the participants’ executive function skills, which are responsible for planning, problem-solving and decision-making.

For my first run of 2023, I wore my Hoka Bondi 7s.

A second study, published in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise in 2018, took a slightly different approach to exploring the relationship between running and creativity. This time, the researchers recruited a group of experienced runners and asked them to complete a series of creative problem-solving tasks both before and after a 30-minute run.

The results were also positive, showing the runners scored significantly higher on the creativity tests after their run compared to before. In addition, the researchers found the participants’ scores on the tests improved in proportion to the intensity of their run. Those who ran harder and faster showed the greatest improvement in creativity.

This finding aligns with previous research on the topic, which has shown that moderate to high-intensity exercise is most effective at promoting cognitive function. There’s a theory that workouts that increase heart rate and blood flow improve brain function by increasing the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports the growth and maintenance of neurons in the brain.

Apart from the all the other benefits – both physical and mental - for me, the time alone on a run helps me work through problems in my manuscripts, develop character and fill in plot holes. It’s as if the repetitive motion of running allows my mind to wander and process information in a way that’s not possible when I’m sitting at my computer or surrounded by distractions.

Also, the advantages of running seem to extend beyond the immediate post-run period. In my experience, the positive effects of a run last for three to four hours after the workout, during which I’m able to tackle tasks with renewed focus and productivity.

Of course, the relationship between running and creativity is highly individualised and what works for me may not work for others. However, the research discussed earlier suggests that running impacts positively on creativity and problem-solving skills, which lead to increased productivity.

So if you’re feeling stuck in a rut or struggling to get things done, perhaps it’s time to lace up your trainers and hit the road/running track/trail. Who knows, a run may be just what you need to boost your creativity and productivity.