You’ve probably noticed it – that peculiar habit of pacing around the room while on a call. I do it, you do it, we all seem to do it. But why?
Well, believe it or not, psychology has an answer for this quirky behavior.
Pacing during a call isn’t just a random act, there’s actually a science behind it. And understanding this could be the key to making your calls more productive and focused.
Stay tuned as we delve into the psychology behind this frequent phenomenon. Maybe next time you find yourself walking in circles during a phone call, you’ll understand just why you’re doing it.
1) The need for movement
We’ve all been there. You’re on a long call, and suddenly your feet start to move on their own accord. It’s not restlessness, it’s not boredom, it’s something else.
Welcome to the world of cognitive load theory.
Cognitive load theory, a concept developed by John Sweller in the 1980s, suggests that our brain has a certain mental load capacity. When we’re on a call, especially an intense one, our brain is working hard to process all the information.
This processing requires energy and it’s believed that pacing can help increase the circulation of oxygen to the brain, improving our ability to think and concentrate.
So next time you find yourself pacing during a call, remember that your brain is just trying to help you out. It needs a bit of movement to keep your cognitive processes running smooth and sharp.
But remember, it’s not an excuse to pace around during every phone call – moderation is key!
2) Personal experience
So let me share a little bit of my own experience here.
I remember there was a time when I had to make a crucial business call. The stakes were high, and I was super nervous. As the conversation started, I found myself instinctively pacing around my office.
At first, I questioned why I was moving aimlessly. It felt a bit odd, but then I realized that it was helping me focus better on the discussion. The more I paced, the more clearly I could express my thoughts and ideas.
It was only later that I learned about this phenomenon called ‘Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis’ or NEAT. According to this theory, these small movements like pacing can help in burning calories and keeping our mind alert.
So, my personal observation of pacing during calls wasn’t just a random habit. It was my brain unconsciously using a scientifically proven method to enhance my focus. Fascinating, isn’t it?
3) The link to creativity
When you’re pacing during a call, you’re not just burning off excess energy or making your brain work better. You’re also potentially boosting your creativity.
A study conducted by Stanford University found that walking, even just around your office or living room, can increase creative output by an impressive 60 percent. This is because the physical act of moving gets your blood flowing, which in turn gets your brain firing on all cylinders.
So if you’re pacing during a brainstorming session over the call, you’re actually priming your brain to come up with more innovative and creative ideas. It’s like giving your mind a little workout to help it perform at its best.
4) The stress connection
Ever noticed how you pace more when the conversation gets intense or stressful? There’s a reason for that too.
When we’re under stress, our body releases adrenaline, a hormone that prepares us for a ‘fight or flight’ response. This sudden rush of adrenaline often results in physical movement, like pacing.
Pacing can help in diffusing this adrenaline rush, making us feel less anxious and more in control of the situation.
So, the next time you have a high-stakes call, don’t fight the urge to move around. It’s just your body’s natural way of helping you cope with stress. A little pacing might just make the conversation go smoother!
5) A source of comfort
In our lives, we all have certain habits that give us comfort during stressful times. For some, it’s a warm cup of tea, for others, it’s their favorite song. But for many of us, it’s pacing during a call.
Do you remember as a child how you would rock back and forth in your mother’s arms? That rhythmic movement brought a sense of safety and calm. As adults, we subconsciously replicate these calming patterns through pacing.
So the next time you notice yourself walking to and fro during an intense call, remember it’s more than just a random act. It’s your subconscious mind trying to find comfort in the rhythm of movement, just like the soothing rock of a cradle. It’s a gentle reminder that amidst all the chaos, there is still a slice of serenity waiting for us in our own movements.
6) The dance of distraction
I’ve always been a bit of an overthinker. My mind tends to race a mile a minute, especially during important calls. The thoughts pile on, creating a cacophony which sometimes makes it hard for me to focus.
One day, while on a particularly stressful call, I found myself pacing incessantly. To my surprise, this dance around the room seemed to quieten the noise in my head. The overbearing thoughts started to get less intrusive, making way for clarity.
This phenomenon is known as ‘distraction’. Pacing or any form of movement takes up a part of our cognitive resources, reducing the bandwidth available for overthinking or worrying. It’s like giving your mind something else to concentrate on, thus reducing the intensity of the stressor.
So, my strange habit of pacing seems to be my brain’s clever way of keeping my overthinking in check and ensuring I stay focussed on the task at hand – the phone call.
7) The power of body language
Even though the other person on the call can’t see us, our body language still plays a significant role in how we communicate.
When we’re stationary, our voice can often become monotonous and lack enthusiasm. However, when we start pacing, our body gets more engaged in the conversation. This physical engagement gets mirrored in our voice, making it more dynamic and expressive.
Think of a time when you were excited or passionate about something. Did you stand still or did you move around, gesticulating to emphasize your points? Movement adds an extra layer of expressiveness to our communication, even if it’s just a telephone call.
So the next time you find yourself pacing during a call, remember that it’s not just about keeping your brain sharp or managing stress. It’s also about making your voice more engaging and persuasive to the listener on the other end of the line.
8) Embracing the movement
The most important thing to understand about pacing during calls is that it’s not a bad habit. It’s a natural response that our body uses to manage cognitive load, boost creativity, handle stress, and enhance our communication.
So, if you find yourself pacing during a call, don’t fight it. Embrace it. Use it as a tool to help your brain function at its best. After all, life is all about movement, and the simple act of pacing can turn a stressful call into a productive conversation.
Final thoughts: It’s all about balance
The human body and mind are truly fascinating. Our behaviors, even the ones that seem random or arbitrary, are often deeply rooted in our biological and psychological makeup.
Pacing during a call, as we’ve learned, is far from a nonsensical habit. It’s a natural response from our body and mind to handle cognitive load, boost creativity, manage stress, and enhance our communication.
But like everything else in life, it’s all about balance. Pacing can be helpful, but it’s also important not to let it become a distraction or a crutch. The key is to understand why we do it and use that knowledge to our advantage.
So next time you find yourself pacing during a call, pause for a moment and reflect on why you’re doing it. Is it helping you concentrate better? Is it making you feel less stressed? Or is it simply adding more dynamism to your voice?
Let this understanding guide you in harnessing the power of pacing – turning it from a random act into a conscious tool for better communication and productivity.
After all, isn’t self-awareness the first step towards self-improvement?
