Boost your Creativity
What is creativity?
Embracing creativity can sometimes be overwhelming, as it often defies boundaries and embraces an array of perspectives. The boundless, open-ended nature of creativity can feel intense. As I sat to ponder what can improve creativity, I decided to put pen to paper in hopes of sharing some research with you.
Creativity; the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination (Dictionary.com, 2023)
Why is creativity important?
Creativity and innovation go hand in hand. Engaging in creative activity can help with problem solving, allow for exploration, uniqueness in identity, and so much more. Assuming that you already view creativity to be significant and beneficial, let’s dive into the origins, and actionable measures to take in boosting creativity.
Creativity and the brain:
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is the part of our brain responsible for several complex cognitive functions, such as “empathy, impulse control, emotion, and decision-making” (Dingman M, Know Your Brain, 2017). In a study led by PhD and professor in psychology, John Kounios, convergent thinking and insight( in other words, creativity) was measured by performance in anagrams and word puzzles, determining the ACC as the activation point in the brain for creativity (Kounios et al., 2008).
Improve your mood
While seemingly vague and obvious, it's crucial to start paying attention to the elements that uplift your mood significantly. Our ACC is more sensitive to odd thoughts and strange hunches, otherwise known as ‘intuition’ when we are in a good mood (Kotler, S. 2021), therefore making it imperative that we address mood as a primary indicator of creative success.
In my case, I find that my mood experiences a positive shift after engaging in meditation, working in a clean and organized workspace, ensuring my priorities are well-aligned and accounted for, and having a dinner plan in place. However, it's essential to acknowledge that your own triggers for an improved mood might differ significantly. Observing the factors that influence your emotions, and taking a moment to reflect on what you might need to incorporate or eliminate can enhance your overall well-being.
Solitude for thought
To invite something in, you must have a space for it to rest. I find this ring true for my own creativity. Just like a home needs a proper place to thrive, so does creativity. In a mind consumed by chaos and distractions, creativity finds no doorway through which to flow freely.
Solitude allows for deeper connection with thought and reason, in turn boosting not only creativity, but also connection with self, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Engage in exercise
Yes I know, essentially every forum claims exercise to be the golden ticket to all improved-function, however, its importance is undeniable. Higher cardiorespirtory fitness is associated with better cognitive performance and enhanced brain activation ( Front. Aging Neurosci. 2015). With the playfulness of movement comes the fluidity of creation. Get your juices flowing, and the creative juices should follow.
Write down your thoughts
Though it may appear simple, don't underestimate the power of jotting down intriguing ideas whenever they strike you! Allow thoughts to flow freely, without filtering or narrowing them down initially. You can always refine and edit later. Even if the list ends up as a collection of random thoughts in your journal or phone, it becomes a valuable resource to overcome creative blocks in writing, art, movement, or any other endeavor, as you'll have a pool of ideas at your fingertips. No need to sit in a blunder and ponder about what to think about, you’ll already be prepared.
Practice Makes Perfect
Start creating. To improve at anything means you must first try. Step out of your comfort zone and embrace challenging topics and experiences; be open to trying new things. Creativity takes on various forms, and being willing to learn is an excellent starting point.
Don't be disheartened if you don't become a creative prodigy right away, especially if this is a new endeavor for you – that's completely normal. Remember, learning is a lifelong journey, and it's one you can embark on if you choose to. Don't allow the fear of averageness deter you from the incredible value that creativity and exploration of new experiences can bring.
Takeaways
Begin by enhancing your mood before embarking on the creative process. Once you've set the stage for success, focus on creating mental space by eliminating distractions. Cultivate daily habits such as jotting down ideas as they arise and engaging in physical activity to stimulate your creativity. Lastly, remember that improvement comes through practice, so take the first step and embrace imperfection as you begin the process!
Thank you for reading! I hope this provides a spark for thought, and you find the creative process that works best for you.
Resources
Dingman M. Know Your Brain: Telencephalon. Neuroscientifically Challenged. http://www.neuroscientificallychallenged.com/blog/know-your-brain-telencephalon. Published July 7, 2017. Accessed July 27, 2017.
Front. Aging Neurosci., Sec. Neurocognitive Aging and Behavior , 12 August 2015
Kotler, S. 3 science-based strategies to increase your creativity, January 17, 2021.
Kounios J, Beeman M. The cognitive neuroscience of insight. Annu Rev Psychol. 2014;65:71-93. doi: 10.1146/annurev-psych-010213-115154. PMID: 24405359.