Empowering Your Brain through Creativity

Amy Taylor February 03, 2015

Sure thing – you can get a lot of ideas in improving work performance by reading self-help books, committing to a timeline, or accomplishing as many tasks as possible. But if you really want to boost your brainpower, come up with brilliant ideas, and resolve an issue at hand – you’ve got to give your brain a chance to break free from the usual things it does, and be carried into a state of flow.

Study after study shows that creativity can boost our brainpower and mental health. Brain imaging trials even suggest that creative thinking alters our brain chemistry, leading to better outcomes like improved physical health, better cognitive function, and happier state.

You probably have experienced the therapeutic benefits of creativity. Whenever you listen to music, watch an artist make a beautiful sketch, or a pastry chef stack cakes and cover it with fondant. Whenever you knit, make a scrapbook, cut out pictures of your family and make a giant collage, write a poem, make an entry in your journal, or play an instrument. Whatever creative task you engage in, it’s sure to calm and inspire you, and boost your self-esteem and productivity.

Creativity & the State of Flow

Creativity allows your brain to experience ‘flow’ – the term used to describe that feeling when we are too engaged in a task that our sense of time already disappears, and as if there’s nothing else that exists. We forget about our bodies, as well as the negative thoughts that bug us – those worries that keep draining our energy. Being in a state of flow is really therapeutic, and can be especially beneficial for people suffering from depression or anxiety. When we are in a ‘flow’, our bodies are completely relaxed, engaged, and is really enjoying.

If you are clueless of what creative activity to try, here are some ideas.

Write. You don’t have to go out or spend lots of money to unleash your creativity. You can do it right in your very home or in your desk. Writing is one of the most healing activities that you can do anytime. It only takes a pen and paper. According to a study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology, writing or journaling about an emotional topic lowered people’s cortisol levels. Journaling is also a therapeutic activity proven to help people dealing with trauma. In some studies, writing helped trauma patients improve their mood, sleep better and recover faster.

Read a challenging prose. Sure, novels are a good read, especially those that we can related to (we’re talking about modern stories). But reading a tough literary piece like that of Shakespeare’s is a creative activity that can greatly benefit you as well. According to a study carried out by Liverpool University researchers, more challenging prose and poetry set off far more electrical activity in the brain than reading works that are “easier” to read and use more conventional and predictable language.

Make a handcraft. Does making bracelets or necklaces out of beads and stones not your thing? What about a DIY lamp shade? Or a multipurpose desk? Like meditation, crafting also directs your mind and body to a state of flow, and helps regulate your emotions. Crafting can put you into a physical state of deep relaxation that alters your physical and emotional responses to stress.

Knit. Why buy a scarf when you can knit your own? Knitting is not only a budget-friendly way to get more scarfs or cowls, it is also a great way to let your creative juice flow. Studies show people who knit have “greater perceived happiness” and improved social contact and communication with others, leading to greater mental health.

Have you tried any of these creative activities? What was the experience like? We’d love to hear from you. Feel free to post in the comment section below.