Science-Based Tips to Boost Your Creativity

Yep, you read that right. Take a minute and get unfocused. As the saying goes, “the best ideas come to us when we’re not even trying.” Research studies show that those so-called eureka moments often happen for writers and physicists alike during non-optimal states or when their mind is wandering. A simple way to open your mind and increase creativity is by staring at an object and allowing your eyes (and mind) to soften focus. Doing so will often help unlock solutions that might not occur if we were in a state of hyper-focused attention on one detail or idea at the expense of others. 

Sometimes, it can be hard to deal with negative emotions, but here’s something to try next time you’re feeling down or grumpy: get creative. The creative process has been proven to help people get out of a bad mood because they focus their minds entirely on solving an issue or problem. Exercising your creative skills can help you forget whatever it was that made you upset in the first place. Research has found that positive and negative emotional states can actually boost creativity. 

A mind map is a great way to come up with ideas and boost creativity. You can think of it as an informal brainstorming session that helps you gather your thoughts without worrying about being categorized or organized later. It’s an excellent tool for making connections between ideas, developing one’s intuition, and boosting creative thinking. Mind mapping is ideal for recording your wildest and craziest ideas without stopping to be critical or self-edit. You can always critique later on and generate new ideas by “piggybacking” your original ideas. 

According to Stanford researchers, walking helps with creativity and also improves sleep quality. The study found that when participants were given two hours of mild activity throughout the day, including taking a walk in between lunch and dinner, they experienced increased cognitive function compared to those who remained seated for the entire period. Taking a meditative stroll outside is one of the most effective techniques to develop new ideas or solutions. Getting present in nature is therapeutic and inspirational.

It’s pretty much common knowledge that meditation is not only restorative and encourages healthy brain function, but the contribution it made to my own creativity makes it a “must mention” here. You are the best judge of how you should meditate to improve your own creative thinking. Your body and mind will tell you, but remember that even five minutes can help you feel more centered and open-minded. 

It is common for job advertisements to mention the importance of curiosity, passion, and inquisitiveness. Employers want employees who have a thirst for knowledge; they are looking for innovative thinking skills or people who can think outside the box. What sources of information should you explore fully before starting the idea generation phase? Are you curious about all aspects or just some things? Is there a “something more” that you’re not considering here?” 

"Successful people with a growth mindset have an optimistic approach to challenges instead of those who see them as insurmountable obstacles; these individuals also try new things more often and let go of old ideas more quickly than their less successful counterparts."