We hear a lot about “hustle culture” these days, with successful business people prompting their fans to wake up at 5 am in the morning and waste not a minute of their lives being unproductive. Unfortunately, that is also what leads to increasing burnout rates across workplaces and, ironically, a halt to productivity. Walking holidays are an unexpected solution to this.
The science behind movement and mental clarity
Research consistently demonstrates that physical activity, particularly walking, can dramatically improve cognitive function. In fact, it can increase creative output by an average of 60%, with the benefits persisting even after returning to your table at work. This is because walking stimulates the production of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neutrotrophic Factor), a protein responsible for neuronal growth and survival. Walking holidays involve extended time on foot (typically 15-20 kilometers a day, for 5-7 days straight), giving a boost to your BDNF.
Additionally, walking is a highly repetitive exercise, as you simply put one foot in front of the other. However, the very rhythmic nature of it can trigger a meditative state of mind, allowing your brain to relax in a much deeper way. You soon find yourself with more mental clarity than ever before, which is essential for deep thinking and problem-solving. This explains why many breakthrough ideas do not happen in the intense brainstorming sessions but, rather, during seemingly unproductive activities.
Fresh perspectives from unlikely places
Many professionals are trapped in the same cycle of tasks and meetings… After a while, it can be difficult to get inspiration from that environment, no matter how driven you are. Getting away is, therefore, the most productive thing you can do for yourself. Not only will you allow your mind to restore its ability to focus intensely, but you may also get inspiration from the most unexpected of places.
For instance, a walking holiday in Portugal will take you through a variety of landscapes and villages in a space of a week. You will immerse yourself in a whole different way of life, much of which can bring some new ideas. Perhaps it’s the quaint fishing villages in the Algarve region or the city bustle of Lisbon, which may inspire you to try something different.
This is also where you’ll meet people from all kinds of walks of life, including freelancers, students, mothers, teachers, builders and, of course, fellow entrepreneurs. Each interaction can be meaningful and bring you an unexpected “eureka!” moment.
Long-term gains
The productivity benefits of walking holidays often extend way longer than just the post-holiday glow. It is a considerable physical challenge that will throw you some real struggles along the way, whether that’s a lack of motivation to continue or a gnarly blister on your foot. However, once you overcome these, you will come back to work with a new sense of self-reliance and confidence.
This will translate into your day-to-day decisions, learning to trust your own abilities even in difficult moments. You will also learn to pace yourself to avoid burn-out as well as maintain your own motivation over extended periods of time, even when things get tough.
Stepping into productivity
It’s clear that a walking holiday should no longer be seen as just any other holiday. Each person takes something unique from it and, as an entrepreneur, you may learn some of your most valuable lessons, which may not come in a corporate environment.
