The Science of Creativity
New year, new blog and today we are totally here for the science behind what we do.
Maybe you wouldn’t be able to put it into words, but you would know in your soul that creativity isn’t just an artistic instinct, it’s a powerful tool that can shape how your brain works. So, understanding the science behind creativity and its neurological benefits can help you become more creative AND improve your mental well-being. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me. So, here’s a breakdown of how creativity impacts your brain (and the benefits it brings you along the way!).
1. The Brain's Default Mode Network (DMN)
Ever heard of a default mode network in your brain? I certainly had not. Apparently, when you’re daydreaming, zoning out, or letting your mind wander, your brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN) is at work. This network connects different parts of the brain and is essential for generating spontaneous and creative ideas. How fun! So, as an artist of any kind, allowing your mind to wander can lead to unexpected bursts of inspiration.
For me, I know when I have a creative task like pitching for a commercial or choosing the right music for something, I need to just go for a walk or stare out my window into absolute nothing. For creatives, I’ve always said that ‘thinking time’ is essential, and this kinda like scientifically backs that up, right?
2. Boosting Cognitive Flexibility
Creativity can be all about making connections between seemingly unrelated things, which boosts cognitive flexibility - the brain's ability to shift between different ideas and thoughts. This ‘mental agility’ helps you come up with fresh ideas, enables you to solve problems a bit easier, and helps you to adapt to new artistic challenges more effectively.
Some fun activities that can help improve this are things like doing a puzzle and learning a new language (hello Duolingo), as well as dance, exercise and reading a book (let’s not forget how essential reading is omg).
3. The Prefrontal Cortex and Decision Making
While creativity involves free-flowing ideas, the prefrontal cortex plays a critical role in narrowing down these ideas to those that are most useful. It is indeed the brain's executive centre, if you will. This helps you refine your concepts, make decisions, and take action. As an artist, this part of the brain helps you filter through your creative ideas and turn them into reality (woohoo).
Conveniently, you can strengthen this similarly to cognitive function, as well as sleeping well and eating balanced. (Which will also just help with everything in life, right?)
4. Creativity Reduces Stress
Engaging in creative activities activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine - and we all know what that is - the feel-good neurotransmitter. This boosts your mood and reduces stress (which is why art can be such a therapeutic outlet). Over time, regular creativity helps improve emotional resilience, allowing you to cope better with life’s ups and downs.
5. Neuroplasticity: Rewiring Your Brain
Honestly I feel like one of the most exciting aspects of creativity is its ability to enhance neuroplasticity - which is the brain's capacity to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. By regularly engaging in creative activities, you can rewire your brain, improving your overall cognitive function and opening up new pathways for learning and personal growth.
So there we have it! All the wonderful reasons why creativity is not only a therapeutic form of expression, but alsooo a tool for improving your brain’s health and your art.
Love that for us.
Have a wonderful week and so nice to be back!!
Carolyn Xx
