Creativity: The Incubation Period - Deepstash

Creativity: The Incubation Period

After a problem has been examined and analysed, creative thinkers often hit a roadblock, which is actually an ‘incubation period’ where the brain works in the background to process information at an unconscious level.

This results in an ‘aha’ or a ‘Eureka!’ moment when the solution or idea pops inside the head later when we are not consciously thinking about it.

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The “Incubation Period” Mechanisms

  • Eliciting new knowledge: when you stop problem-solving, your brain keeps working on it in the background and may come across memories you may have ignored when you were actively trying to think about the problem.
  • Selective forgetting: an incubation period weakens the un...

Using The Incubation Period

When you're struggling with a problem or decision take a break from thinking hard.

Some studies say an incubation period as short as 10 minutes might be enough to gain a new perspective. But that’s not unanimous, so you might want to experiment to discover what works for you. 

The Incubation Period

That’s a scientifically recognized phenomenon where an idea is unconsciously worked out by the brain. It often happens when we are trying to solve a hard problem and take a break to do an unrelated task.

Concentrating harder won't force the 'eureka moment' when you're experien...

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