The Link Between Creativity and Wellness (And 3 Steps Small to develop your creativity today) Blog
People tend to consider creativity as something you have or don't have. The statements like "Wow, you're so lucky to be creative. I would like to be as creative as that!" perpetuate the idea that creativity is that is inherent, inborn, and immovable. However, behavioral science on creativity that was formulated by experts such as Robert Epstein, has actually shown the contrary. The ability to be creative isn't something that a person has or without, it's a talent that is developed through practice, and they reap plenty of health benefits for practicing it.
in 2012 Tina Seelig, the executive director of the Stanford Technology Ventures Program, wrote a book, InGENIUS: A Crash Course on Creativity, to demonstrate precisely the point."We are all naturally inventive," Seelig told Business News Daily, "and, like every other skill, some people have more natural talent over others. But, anyone can improve his or her [or their] creativity, just as anyone can improve his or herabilities in athletics or music by undergoing appropriate instruction and diligent practice." Creativity isn't something you are, it's a habit--and for good reason. "The most common misconception about creative thinking is that it'sn't essential and can't be learned. Actually, it's one of the top abilities we have to master," Seelig explained.
There's a lot of research behind the benefits of consciously fostering creativity and exercising these skills as time goes by. The following are the reasons why this is important (hint it's an overall healthier and happier you) and what you can do to practice this in everyday activities.
Creativity Increases the Strength of Your Brain
It is well-known that the brain is split into two halves. The left hemisphere is responsible for the tasks that require logic, such as math and the sciences and the right focuses on the arts and creativity. An review of a study from 2014 discovered that some activities which we think of as creative such as learning how to play a musical instrument actually increases the connection between two parts of the brain. "Collectively all the research tends to support the hypothesis that musical training can induce modifications in the cross-hemispheric connection and there are significant variations found in the various areas within the corpus callosum (the nerve fibers which connect to form the brain's two hemispheres) for musicians in comparison to non-musicians," the authors write.
Creativity leads to optimism and Solution-Oriented Thinking
Creativity produces ways of thinking that focus on what's possible rather than what is. "With greater creativity" Seelig explained, "instead of problems we can see possibilities, instead of obstacles, we spot opportunities, and instead of obstacles we see the possibility to come up with solutions." The author elaborates that this kind of creative thinking that's behind everything from designing products and growing businesses to building alliances among nations. With creativity "we create our future each and every day," Seelig added. Furthermore, the enthusiasm produced by creativity is proven to result in better physical and mental well-being as it helps promote a healthy way of life by better controlling negative thoughts and encouraging adaptive behaviors and the capacity to problem solve.
The Art of Creativity in your daily life
Even informal journaling is a way to exercise that may enhance the effects of creative thinking. Other activities that are traditionally considered creative exercises like painting, drawing, sewing, knitting, can also help get your creative juices flowing. There are also steps you can take to adjust your mindset to foster creativity, as Professor Dr. Art Markman, a Professor of Psychology and Marketing at the University of Texas at Austin and the founder of the Program for the Human Dimensions of Organizations, says:
- Focus on learning new thoughts at the appropriate time. "The most creative people in any field are the ones with vast knowledge. Creative people like Einstein, Edison, Coltrane and O'Keefe also were experts within their fields," Markman wrote, adding the need to disrupt your work routine to research for something can seriously hinder the ability of you to "follow ideas to new places." Take the time to study new concepts in the first place, and, afterward, according to what Markman suggests, develop an habit of explaining the things you've learned for yourself, to help build an arsenal of material you can use to think more creatively later on.
- Open to learning anything new. The value of having an open mind to fresh ideas, concepts and new experiences is enormous for creativity. "The most innovative people are typically highly open," Markman said. He suggests that you get into the habit of considering, and eventually testing out, concepts and ideas instead of dismissing them at beginning because they're not familiar. "When you encounter a new concept, take a moment to listen or study it thoroughly, but don't think about it much right away. Put it away for a day and return later."
- You can ask questions. Noting that a essential aspect of creativity the creation of concepts, is an ability to recall any idea, or even the abstract thoughts, from memories. "The most creative people don't decide on one approach to an issue. They constantly come up with new descriptions of that problem and allow their brains to find more information which could help solve the issue," Markman noted.
The research is supporting what the artists, makers and innovative minds have been saying for years - that when you practice creative thinking, you will reap numerous physical, mental and emotional advantages. Take a look at the courses below to get creative ideas with classes about the inner peace and exploration of oneself.