I Tried Walking Meetings—Here’s Why They Changed My Workday

I Tried Walking Meetings—Here’s Why They Changed My Workday

I stumbled into the world of walking meetings almost by accident. It was one of those weeks—a patchwork of Zoom calls, endless to-do lists, and the ceaseless hum of notifications. It was a friend who first nudged me into the idea. "Why not try walking during one of your calls?" she suggested, casually tossing the idea over her shoulder as we wrapped up a catch-up phone call.

It seemed so simple, almost too simple. But something clicked. I grabbed my jacket and earbuds, and for the first time, I took a meeting on the go. That modest step outside shifted more than just my shoes; it reset the way I approach my workday. Since then, walking meetings have become a quiet revolution in my routine, reintroducing movement, fresh perspectives, and a sense of ease to my otherwise sedentary work life.

In the early days of adopting walking meetings, I discovered insights and experiences that completely changed how I perceived my workday. This article is a result of those discoveries, a touchstone for anyone curious about infusing daily tasks with a spark of movement and mindfulness. Let's take a stroll through why these walking meetings matter, how they innovated my workflow, and how they might just be the change you’re looking for too.

The Concept of Walking Meetings

Walking meetings aren’t new, but they’re finally having their moment in the spotlight. Essentially, they are meetings taken on foot rather than seated at a desk or in a conference room. The idea is to integrate movement into one of the most static daily routines—and it’s being championed by everyone from Silicon Valley executives to health-conscious freelancers.

Walking meetings serve dual purposes: they facilitate productive dialogue while also incorporating physical activity, which in turn can stimulate creativity and problem-solving. Leading health authorities such as the Mayo Clinic highlight how regular walking can improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and boost mood.

In a world where the average desk worker spends about 9.3 hours a day sitting, adding movement to the mix isn’t just beneficial; it’s necessary. Walking meetings offer a healthy way to maintain or increase productivity without compromising on essential physical activity.

Why Try Walking Meetings?

Sitting for extended periods can weigh heavy, not just on our physical health, but also on our creative juices. Walking meetings inject fresh air into the monotony, carving out space for ideas to stretch and grow.

1. Boosts Creativity and Focus

Studies have shown that walking can increase creative output by as much as 60%. The change of scenery itself acts as a cognitive reset button, helping us to view challenges from different angles. Walking breaks the routine, allowing the mind to wander in productive ways.

2. Enhances Physical Health

It’s no secret that our bodies are designed to move. Dr. James Levine of the Mayo Clinic remarks that "sitting is the new smoking." Walking keeps our muscles engaged and improves circulation throughout the body, which is beneficial in maintaining health and preventing the chronic ailments often associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

3. Fosters Open and Honest Communication

There’s something about side-by-side conversations that encourage openness and honesty. The informal nature of walking shoulder-to-shoulder can make communication feel less hierarchical and more collaborative, opening the floor for genuine dialogue.

4. Increases Engagement and Team Dynamics

Instead of staring at screens, engaging in a walking meeting lets participants focus on the discussion and each other. The lack of a physical table liberates conversations, which can boost engagement and promote more dynamic team relations.

Crafting the Perfect Walking Meeting

Walking meetings are a versatile tool but planning them involves more than just putting on a pair of sneakers and heading out the door. Here’s a guide to ensure the stroll aligns with purpose and productivity.

Determine the Agenda

Having a loose agenda (or a firm one, if needed) ensures that the meeting remains productive. What are the key points to discuss? Setting objectives in advance provides direction without stifling the spontaneous benefits that often come with walking.

Choose the Right Path

Selecting the venue may sound trivial, but it can significantly affect the meeting’s success. Ideally, choose a path that is quiet but stimulating, perhaps a local park or a residential area with minimal traffic and distractions.

Equip for the Walk

Comfort is key. Wear shoes that support movement, and dress appropriately for the weather. Don’t forget your trusty mobile device or notepad for quick note-taking.

Be Conscious of Time

Estimate a time frame that suits the meeting agenda. Typically, walking meetings are best suited to discussions that last between 15 to 45 minutes, but they can be tailored depending on need and context.

Allow for Comfort Breaks

If the meeting is longer, schedule short breaks for water, restroom needs, or simply to rest. The point isn't to strain but to sustain an enjoyable, productive experience.

Personal Reflection: My Walking Meeting Transformation

When I began these meetings, the most surprising change was my mindset. No longer confined to the four walls of an office, I felt liberated, and so did my ideas. Conversations flowed more freely, and the everyday tension that often sat with me during conventional meetings seemed to step aside, making room for freshness and light.

An unexpected benefit was finding myself more present. Walking tuned out the noise and tuned me into the conversations that mattered. It encouraged active listening, and while the route and steps became muscle memory, my colleagues and I reveled in the simplicity of shared thought.

That solitary act of shifting my meetings to the streets imbued each workday with a sense of intentionality. It rearranged priorities—health and mindfulness stepped up as companions to productivity.

Integrating Walking Meetings Into Your Workday

Engaging walking meetings isn't a one-size-fits-all strategy, but it can be adapted to suit individual needs and work environments. Here’s how you might ease walking meetings into your own routine:

Adapt Meetings to Walking Format

Not all meetings will flourish from a walking format. Detail-oriented brainstorming sessions or discussions requiring multiple devices may be better suited for traditional meeting rooms. Conversely, one-on-ones, check-ins, or brainstorming sessions can benefit significantly from being on foot.

Communicate Expectations

Before you lace up, make sure all parties are on board. Discuss this unconventional meeting style with colleagues and iron out any concerns. It’s crucial everyone involved understands and appreciates the approach.

Flexibility and Experimentation

The first few tries may feel awkward or unproductive, but flexibility is key. Experiment with different routes or integrative technologies that might lend themselves better to your needs or preferences.

Blend Technology Wisely

Using headsets or Bluetooth devices can keep conversations flowing without tethering participants to a conference room. However, technology should supplement—not dominate—the natural flow and benefits of a walk.

Addressing Possible Challenges

Transitioning to walking meetings comes with challenges that, while manageable, require thoughtful solutions.

Weather and Terrain

Weather conditions are an obvious factor. Keeping a 'Plan B' allows for spontaneity without chaos. If possible, alternate walking venues or utilize nearby indoor spaces that provide a change of scenery without exposing participants to elements they wish to avoid.

Accessibility

Not all colleagues may be able or willing to participate, whether due to physical constraints or personal preference. Inclusivity is paramount, and alternatives should readily include virtual participation or hybrid approaches.

Maintaining Focus

While the informality of walking meetings can foster creativity, it can also lead to distractions. Keeping the agenda close to guide conversations helps. Consider having a mixed structure in which discussions start on foot and conclude in a conventional setting for formalizing the outcomes.

The Daily Essentials Box: Quick Takeaways

When we embrace change, even when it’s small, possibilities expand. Here are five brief essentials from my journey with walking meetings:

• Start Small: Introduce one walking meeting a week—test the waters, explore comfort levels, and gradually build from there.
• Mix and Match: Blend walking meetings with stationary ones for a balanced workday rhythm that suits varied teams and tasks.
• Be Present: Focus on listening. Walking naturally limits distractions, sharpening attention.
• Flexibility is Key: Adapt routes based on season and mood; variety keeps creativity alive.
• Prioritize Well-being: Remember, it’s not about the miles but the mindset. Every step that shifts focus to health and connection is a step gained.

Conclusion

Walking meetings were a revelation, not because they were radically new, but because they simplified complex desires—to connect, to move, to think. They offered a natural, accessible avenue for combining work with wellness.

Whether you’re looking to invigorate your routine or open doors to new ways of thinking, walking meetings hold promise and potential. They turned my hectic day into a harmonious walk, and maybe they could offer you the same kind of transformation. So, slip on those sneakers, gather your thoughts (and your colleagues), and step into a more intentional, engaged workday.