Maybe sitting at your desk to work is the problem

During a recent coaching session, a client mentioned that she needs to move around to think well. Pacing. Going for a long walk or a bike ride. That kind of thing.

This got me thinking.

Do you struggle with research because you think you need to be sitting at your desk to do it?

I know that schools are really big on sitting still and being quiet as the necessary precursor to doing academic work.

As a homeschooler, I’ve become aware of the fact that this is just not true for some people. In fact, it can be downright damaging.

Some folks think better if they are doing something physical at the same time. With kids, that might mean letting them play with Lego while you read to them. Or doodle. Or jump on a trampoline.

Actually, apart from playing with Lego, a lot of things that homeschooling parents of kids like this do so their kids can learn better are things adults could easily do. (And scholarly research is just learning for grown-ups.)

If you think better when moving…

• Combine your research time with running, biking, or walking.
• Get a mini-tramp and bounce while thinking about research ideas.
• Or just pace up and down.

Moving + reading =

Of course you can’t read while biking, at least not without seriously endangering yourself.

But try these options:

• Put your book on a music stand so you can knit while reading. Choose relatively plain knitting so your thinking brain can concentrate on the book.
• Doodle.
• Play with a string of beads. You can get nice ones here (no, I don’t get a commission).
• Take notes, whether you refer to them or not. Writing is a physical activity that might activate that part of your brain that needs movement.

Take regular movement breaks

Sometimes you do have to sit there. Reading. Writing. Staring at sources trying to figure out what is going on.

But don’t force yourself to sit there past your fidget point.

Get up and move around. This will release all the pent up energy that will otherwise distract you.

And it will allow you to process the ideas you have been dealing with while sitting still.

Set a timer if you have to. There is a rather pleasant free one here (designed for meditation so it shouldn’t be too intrusive).

You’re a grown-up now

And you work in a field where you have considerable autonomy.

Figure out how you work best and then design your day and your space to support your work.

It’ll feel weird at first. And you might have to experiment a bit. But sitting at your desk in silence might not be the most productive way for you to work.