So often we hear how important physical activity and exercise is for your health, but we rarely hear about how it can boost your creativity. There is an exciting area of study emerging that suggests that exercise and physical activity can positively impact your creativity. Beyond the physical and mental benefits, your creativity can also improve with aerobic activity (increased heart rate over time). By promoting blood flow, reducing stress and increasing neuroplasticity, you can approach problems with and cognitive flexibility. Suggesting maybe you should give your ideas some legs.
When we work out, we’re fueling the cells of our body. Our blood acts like a highway system, transporting essential nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. This increase in oxygenation is vital for both our physical and mental health, as it energizes neurons in the brain, supporting creative thinking and aiding in the digestion of new information. In addition to increased blood flow and oxygenation, exercise triggers a rise in dopamine, which can help lower cortisol levels in our bodies. While cortisol temporarily raises blood sugar for quick energy, chronically elevated levels can lead to increased stress and weight gain. By engaging in regular physical activity, we support our body’s natural hormone regulation, leading to a healthier, happier life.
The American Psychological Association published a study in 2014 about the idea that exercise boosts creativity. They tested subjects by giving a psychological test that measured creativity. The study had subjects take the test while seated, and then walking on a treadmill. The study showed that 85% of participants showed improved creativity while walking. This science has grown over the last decade and is more widely accepted by fitness professionals and creatives. The study suggests that increasing the amount of aerobic activity can also promote divergent thinking, which is the type of thinking that promotes brainstorming and creative thinking. Even low intensity walking can promote the increased creativity. In another 2014 study, researchers at Stanford University conducted a similar survey, and found that even light to moderate walking can increase divergent thinking. This decrease in stress has been shown to help create a mental state that is welcoming to novel stimuli, and new ideas.
Neuroplasticity, or the way our brain recognizes itself, helps create new neural connections as we encounter new experiences and information. This allows our neural network to make new connections and rewrite them to accept new information. This is crucial for forming new ideas or recovering from brain injury. Exercise has been shown to promote this development of the neural pathways allowing us to change our type of thinking, which is essential for creativity.
As we age, our cognitive ability begins to decline. Some studies suggest that this decline can start as early as the second third of our lives. And only gets more rapid as we age. This link between cognitive decline and aging has also had some silver lining. By increasing our activity, we can promote the creation of new motor pathways. Giving us more reason to take care of our bodies, and minds. Beyond the improved physical health, and stress reduction, there is significant research that suggests exercise can delay the effects of aging! I have worked with clients who are in their 70’s and are still sharp as a tack and their bodies are resilient. This increase in physical activity can help us as we age, and make sure we can enjoy our lives to the fullest.
Beyond the list of positive health benefits of exercise, there is plenty of science to suggest that our minds benefit just as much! We can improve our health, while also improving our creativity and mental clarity. By introducing aerobic activity into your week, you may start to notice your thoughts getting a little more healthy, too!
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