Here’s what Steve Jobs did to clear his mind during his workday at Apple

Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, had a distinctive approach to solving complex problems during his years at the helm of the company, which, according to several neuroscience studies, may have played a crucial role in his creative process. This habit was as simple as walking when my mind was blank.

Throughout his career, Jobs was not only a technology pioneer, but he also developed a number of habits that helped him maintain a clear and focused mind. Among them, long walks during the working day stood out the most.

This simple act of getting up and walking not only helped him relax, but also This stimulated his ability to generate innovative ideas and find solutions to the problems he faced at Apple at the time.

Neuroscientist Mithu Storoni, author of Ultra-Performance: Optimize Your Brain to Change the Way You Work, has extensively documented the benefits of walking. According to their research, walking facilitates brain activity and improves cognitive processing, which supports Jobs’ habit.

Moreover, scientific studies have shown that walking 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day not only improves physical health.also affects mental health, reducing the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and dementia, as well as improving emotional well-being and sleep quality.

In the context of Steve Jobs’s work, walking allowed him to have a more open and flexible mind. Moving away from the sedentary routine of sitting in front of the computerJobs not only cleared his mind, but also managed to take a fresh look at the problems he faced.

This habit was not limited to moments of personal reflection. In fact, Jobs preferred to walk during important meetings. Walter Isaacson, his biographer, mentions that Jobs preferred to “take the long walk” when it came to serious conversations.

This practice was echoed by Jony Ive, one of his closest collaborators at Apple, who emphasized the importance of walking in the company’s creative process. Walking, especially in a group, allowed Jobs and his interlocutors to break away from the formality and rigidity of the traditional conference room.

As they progressed, ideas flowed more naturally, facilitating open and productive discussions. For Jobs, walking was not only a way to clear the mind, but also a tool to promote collective creativity and the generation of revolutionary ideas, such as those that led to the development of the iPhone or iPad.

According to neuroscientist Storononi, when you are faced with a difficult problem and cannot find a solution in the first ten minutes of concentrationIt is advisable to get up and walk.

This seemingly simple action helps distract attention enough that the brain can process information differently, allowing new ideas or approaches to emerge.

This advice echoes Jobs’ approach to problem solving. When a solution didn’t arise in a traditional office context, he would get up, walk around, and let his mind work in the background. In this way, he was able to find the answers that seemed to elude him as he stood motionless in front of the screen.

Although not all professions allow for the opportunity to walk during the workday, especially those that involve constant physical activity, such as construction, This habit is especially valuable when working sedentarily.

Professionals who spend long hours in front of the computer can greatly benefit from incorporating walking into their daily routine. improving your physical healthand their ability to solve problems and find creative solutions.

Jobs’ habit of walking throughout the day was not only a way to stay active, but also an effective strategy for avoiding mental stagnation. In a work environment where efficiency and multi-tasking dominate, it is very important to take time for walks.