Get Moving to get Inspired: How Exercise is a Catalyst for Creativity
Physical activity is one of the key cornerstones of great overall health, and optimal brain health. And today’s blog is going to give you yet another reason to get your body moving this year. We’re going to be shedding light on how regular movement benefits cognitive function and exploring how this creates a causal link between exercise and creativity.
Cognition and creativity
At the heart of the connection between movement and creativity is its effects on cognitive function. Regular movement encourages the release of an array of neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. This desirable neurochemical cocktail makes us feel amazing and function well, enhancing our memory, attention, mood regulation, and overall cognitive performance. And what does all of this create? The ideal environment for heightened creative thoughts and processes.
Neuroplasticity and connectivity
Not only does exercise promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize, adapt, and form new neural connections, but it also enhances the connections between different brain regions. As a result, it makes it easier for us to connect seemingly unrelated concepts and form novel ideas, a crucial element of inspired creative thinking.
Taking risks
Some of the most groundbreaking creative concepts occur because of taking risks. But the brain must have developed strong emotional resilience for us to feel confident enough to do so. When we keep our bodies moving, we contribute to the development of this emotional strength by pushing our physical limits as our abilities increase over time. Think about it like this: when you’re hitting a personal best, it’s not only boosting your physical performance, but your mental strength as well. And cultivating this mindset is what leads to exploring uncharted creative territories.
The incubation period
If you’ve ever had a moment of inspiration either during or after exercise, there’s a scientific reason to explain it. The incubation phase is a period of mental downtime in which the subconscious mind is still engaging in problem-solving while the conscious mind is occupied with movement. This allows the subconscious to generate intuitive and creative solutions.
So, if you needed another reason to get moving on a regular exercise routine, this is it. The multi-faceted connections between body and mind mean that we can tap into new layers of creativity, whilst at the same time, boosting our cognition. It’s a win-win!