The simple act of moving while talking can transform both your health and the quality of your conversations.

Most academics spend at least some portion of their days moving between seated meetings, transitioning from one chair to another. And when we’re not seated for meetings, we’re sitting in front of a computer. But what if the solution to better meetings—and better health—was as simple as standing up and walking out the door?

Walking meetings

Steve Jobs famously conducted many of his most important business discussions whilst walking around Apple’s campus. He understood something that neuroscience now confirms: movement changes how we think. When we walk, our brains shift into what researchers call “diffuse mode,” a relaxed state that enhances creative problem-solving and helps us make connections between different ideas.

For busy academics already struggling to find time for exercise and meaningful work, walking meetings might offer an elegant solution that addresses multiple challenges simultaneously.

Four reasons to try this approach

• You get exercise without trying—and all of it happens during work hours. Instead of trying to squeeze another commitment into your already packed schedule, walking meetings transform necessary conversations into physical activity. A 30-minute walking meeting easily contributes to your weekly exercise target without requiring any additional time investment.
• You think better. Whether it’s a one-on-one discussion or even a phone call, ideas flow differently when you’re moving. The rhythmic nature of walking helps break down mental barriers and encourages more open, creative thinking. Even on Zoom or WhatsApp calls, turning off the video and going for a walk can dramatically improve the quality of your contributions to the conversation.
• You never waste an hour. Not every meeting delivers on its promise. Sometimes you encounter difficult personalities, or the discussion simply turns out to be less valuable than expected. But when you’re walking, you’ve still accomplished something beneficial for your well-being, regardless of the meeting’s quality.
• You stay visible. If you’re walking around campus or through town, people see you. They remember you. This visibility opens you up to the kinds of spontaneous conversations and chance encounters that wouldn’t happen if you were hidden away in an office. These informal interactions often prove more valuable than formal meetings.
• You eliminate digital distractions. When you’re walking, you can’t check email, respond to Slack messages, or browse social media. This forced disconnection from digital interruptions means you’re genuinely present for the conversation. Your meeting partner gets your full attention, and you’re not tempted by the constant stream of notifications that plague desk-based discussions.

Walking meetings represent a small shift toward finding alternative ways to accomplish necessary work while nurturing your physical and mental well-being. In a profession where sitting is the default and stress is endemic, sometimes the most radical thing you can do is simply put one foot in front of the other.

Are walking meetings too much, too soon? Why not try stand-up meetings instead?