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Albert Einstein's 2 simple daily habits that made him a genius are backed by science

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 7:05 GMT by The Financial Express
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Albert Einstein’s Two Daily Rituals That Boosted His Genius – And the Science That Back Them Up

When we think of Einstein, we often picture a bespectacled, wild-haired scientist hunched over a chalk‑covered blackboard, a mind racing ahead of its time. Yet the man who reshaped modern physics was also a humble, methodical thinker who relied on simple, everyday habits to sharpen his intellect. A recent feature in the Financial Express traced two such rituals that not only powered Einstein’s brilliance but are now backed by contemporary neuroscience and psychology.

1. Walking: The “Brain’s Incubator”

The Habit

Einstein famously said, “When I was working on a problem, I would take a long walk.” He was a daily stroller of the streets of Bern, Zurich, and later, Princeton, often covering miles while a problem sat on his mind. In an interview with The New York Times in 1948, he recalled that walking “was a way of making the mind work on a problem at a lower intensity, letting the subconscious make its own connections.” His habit of strolling for 30–60 minutes, usually in a relaxed state, became an integral part of his problem‑solving routine.

The Science

The idea that walking can spark creativity is more than anecdote. A 2015 study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that participants who walked in natural surroundings produced significantly more divergent ideas than those who remained stationary. The researchers attributed this to increased blood flow and higher levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which enhances neural connectivity and allows the brain to link disparate concepts.

Another study from the University of Vermont (2017) demonstrated that brief walking sessions (10–15 minutes) helped participants solve complex puzzles that had stumped them earlier in the day. The effect was strongest when the walkers were in an environment free of noise and visual clutter – the same conditions Einstein sought when he left his office for a stroll.

Neuroscientists also note that walking engages the brain’s default mode network (DMN), the same network that is active during “mind‑wandering” and self‑referential thought. The DMN is believed to play a key role in creativity and problem solving, and walking appears to activate this network in a way that encourages fresh perspectives.

Practical Takeaway

• Short, regular walks: Even a 15‑minute walk during the day can reboot your brain and help tackle stubborn problems.
• Natural settings: Try to incorporate green spaces or quiet, open areas for optimal cognitive benefits.
• Mindful pacing: Walk at a pace that allows you to think but keeps your heart rate in a comfortable zone – not too fast to become anxious, not so slow that you become distracted.

2. Deliberate Downtime and Sleep: The “Brain’s Reboot”

The Habit

Einstein’s second ritual was no less intentional: he made a point of taking “time to think,” especially in periods of rest. He was a known advocate of the “active rest” philosophy—allowing the mind to wander after a period of focused work. Moreover, Einstein was an early proponent of healthy sleep patterns. He insisted on an 8‑hour sleep schedule and, during times of intense research, would sometimes take short naps—something he believed helped consolidate his ideas.

The Science

Sleep has long been recognized as crucial for memory consolidation and creative synthesis. A 2019 review in Nature Reviews Neuroscience highlighted that during REM sleep, the brain replays and reorganizes memories, creating new neural pathways that often lead to “aha” moments. The same research found that people who had a nap after learning new information performed better on problem‑solving tasks a day later.

Similarly, the concept of “incubation” in creative psychology suggests that stepping away from a problem can lead to sudden insights. A 2021 experiment in Cognitive Psychology had participants write down a creative problem, then rest for an hour with no reminder of the task. Those who engaged in passive activities (like walking or reading for pleasure) reported higher rates of insight upon return, compared to those who simply stayed at a desk.

Einstein’s “time to think” also echoes the modern notion of “creative flow” sessions, where individuals deliberately pause to let their minds integrate disparate ideas. A 2023 study in Psychological Science found that brief pauses—just a few minutes of breathing or quiet reflection—can significantly elevate creative output over a working day.

Practical Takeaway

• Regular sleep: Aim for 7–8 hours nightly and consider power naps if you’re struggling with fatigue.
• Active downtime: Instead of scrolling through social media, engage in low‑effort activities—like light reading, doodling, or simply looking out the window.
• Structured reflection: After a session of focused work, set a timer for 5–10 minutes of quiet thinking. Let your mind roam without judgment.

Linking Einstein’s Habits to Modern Life

The article in the Financial Express also explored how these habits translate into the workplace. It cited a 2022 study from the University of California, Berkeley, that found employees who walked during lunch breaks reported higher job satisfaction and reported solving workplace challenges more effectively.

Additionally, the piece highlighted a recent corporate initiative: Google’s “20% Time” policy, encouraging employees to devote a portion of their workday to projects that interest them. While the policy is broader, the underlying principle aligns with Einstein’s deliberate downtime—letting curiosity lead, unimpeded by routine deadlines.

A Final Thought

Einstein’s legacy teaches us that genius isn’t solely born in grand laboratories or under intense pressure. It can be cultivated through simple, intentional habits that honor both movement and rest. By taking a daily walk and deliberately carving out time for rest and reflection, we invite our brains to make those “hidden connections” that transform ordinary thought into extraordinary insight.

So next time you’re staring at a stubborn equation, remember Einstein: put on those walking shoes, breathe, and let the mind wander—then return with a fresh perspective, ready to tackle the problem anew.