Charles Dickens, widely regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era with masterpieces such as ‘Oliver Twist,’ ‘Great Expectations,’ and ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Do you know where the hundreds of charming characters and intricate plots in his novels were born? The secret lies in his ‘3-hour walk’ routine, which he strictly maintained every afternoon. After finishing his writing sessions from 9 AM to 2 PM, Dickens headed outside. He walked about 10-12 miles (16-19 km) at a very fast pace for exactly three hours. Walking through the busy back alleys of London to the quiet country paths of Kent, he organized the characters and structured the dialogues in his head. Today, BuildSelf shares the brain-scientific principles behind Dickens’ walking habit and how to design walks to refresh your mind and boost creativity.
Historical & Academic Evidence
This content is based on John Forster's 'The Life of Charles Dickens' & Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.
1. Trigger for Divergent Thinking: The Neuroscience of Stimulus-Free Walking
According to studies, walking at a steady rhythm promotes the secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and improves cerebral blood flow, stimulating cognitive performance and divergent thinking. This activates creativity by linking new concepts.
In particular, walking without earphones or looking at a smartphone—shutting off external information—activates the brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN). When the brain is in a wandering state, the DMN rearranges memories and unsolved problems in the subconscious, creating unexpected eureka moments. Regular afternoon walks act as a mental clean-up, clearing cognitive fatigue from the morning.
2. 3-Step Practical Routine for Modern Professionals
Schedule Stimulus-Free Afternoon Walk Time
Secure about 30 minutes to 1 hour of designated walking time between 2 PM and 4 PM when you feel drowsy and focus drops. Put on comfortable shoes and prepare to step outside.
Block Smartphone Screens and Audio Stimuli
Keep your smartphone in your pocket or bag during the walk. Block verbal information entering your ears like music, podcasts, or news to create a sensory vacuum so the brain can clear cognitive fatigue.
Contemplative Walking and Immediate Note-taking
Focus on the rhythm of your steps and gaze at the scenery. When solutions to problems or creative ideas pass by due to DMN activation, quickly record key words in a small notebook or voice app before they fade.
3. A brain-scientific word for a successful routine
Creativity comes when the brain rests. Constantly feeding information to the brain without leaving your desk only leads to cognitive overload. Just as Dickens insisted on his solitary brisk walks, try disconnect from external stimuli and walk, even for a short time. New creative thoughts will fill the empty spaces naturally.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I not listen to music during the walk? ▼
Music or verbal information stimulates the brain to analyze it, hindering DMN activation. For complete brain rest and creativity, it is best to focus solely on the sounds of nature and your footsteps without earphones.
