Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis who reshaped modern psychology by introducing concepts like the subconscious and the interpretation of dreams. Where did his insights come from? 🧠
Freud spent his days listening to patients’ heavy mental struggles. To recharge his exhausted prefrontal cortex, he kept a daily evening routine of walking 3 miles at a very fast pace around Vienna. He believed that fast walking cleared the mind and surfaced insights hidden in the subconscious. Returning to his study, he immediately wrote down his thoughts in a journal.
Today, BuildSelf introduces the scientific mechanisms behind Freud’s ‘fast walk and journaling’ routine and how to apply it today.
Historical & Academic Evidence
This content is based on Sigmund Freud's Biography 'The Life and Work of Sigmund Freud' & Frontiers in Psychology Journal.
1. Bilateral Stimulation and Prefrontal Emotion Control
Walking at a fast pace with alternating steps generates ‘bilateral stimulation’ that supplies tactile and motor inputs to the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Used in cognitive therapies (EMDR), this inhibits overactivation of the amygdala and brings emotional tranquility. Writing down subconscious thoughts immediately after walking stimulates the prefrontal cortex, blocking complex emotions and restoring working memory.
2. 3-Step Practical Routine for Modern Professionals
30-Minute Brisk Walk
In the late afternoon or evening, head outside in comfortable shoes and walk at a brisk pace for 30 minutes. Keep your phone in your pocket to avoid screen distractions and focus on your body's symmetrical movement.
Sitting and Deep Breathing Relaxation
Immediately after walking, sit at your desk without turning on any digital screens. Close your eyes for 1 minute and take deep breaths (inhale for 4s, exhale for 6s) to transition from physical arousal to calm relaxation.
5-Minute Subconscious Journaling
Take out your notebook and pen. Write down any inspirations that came during your walk or thoughts passing through your mind without worrying about formatting or spelling. This externalizes your subconscious onto paper.
3. The Purpose of Evening Walk and Time Management Tips
This evening routine is not a heavy cardio training for burning calories. Therefore, rather than running to exhaustion, maintain a brisk walking pace where you can still talk but experience slightly elevated breathing. Ensure this is completed at least 3 hours before sleep to avoid sleep disturbance.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I perform this walk in the morning instead of evening? ▼
Yes, walking at any time of the day provides bilateral stimulation. However, while morning walks excel at awakening the brain, evening walks help reset cognitive load and emotional tension accumulated from communication and work during the day.
Can I type my subconscious thoughts on a smartphone or keyboard? ▼
Typing activates the brain's logical computation mode due to simplified visual feedback. Conversely, handwriting with a pen strongly stimulates the Reticular Activating System (RAS) through fine muscle control, making it much more effective at surfacing subconscious thoughts intuitively.
