10/22/2025
People in the blue zones live active lives where they’re nudged to get up and walk or move around about every 20 minutes. They walk to their neighbors’ houses, through the fields, or up rocky mountain paths. They do housework and chores by hand, not automated robot vacuums. Research has validated that moving like the people in the blue zones can not only improve your physical health but also boost your productivity, mood, and creativity.
Spending 20 to 30 minutes walking outside can lower stress by 20% and just 10 minutes can deliver serious mood-boosting benefits. There’s also a study out of Stanford University that suggests walking can increase creative thinking. Participants were able to produce 50% more ideas while walking vs. while sitting. Another reason to start a Walking Moai at work—walking meetings can help you brainstorm!
Safety Specialist Ashely Carr at Sunsweet Growers, part of the Blue Zones Project Yuba-Sutter Worksite program shares, “A lot of our groups, especially our leads, supervisors, and managers, actually get out and connect on their walks, which allows them to talk about life, family and have that community aspect while they’re getting their steps in, walking, and challenging each other…having a moment to step away from our day-to-day tasks.”
Learn more about Walking Moais and watch a Walking Moai video: https://www.bluezones.com/2023/06/what-is-a-walking-moai/
