There is a lot about being human we still don't know about. Scientists and professionals are constantly trying to figure out exactly how our brains work, just like they're still trying to figure out a way to explore the bottom of the oceans. We are clued into the brain being a game of resources and usage. Our brains are always using different resources to make up who we are and what we do. For example, you know not to touch that hot stove because of that time you were five and you burned your hand. Now, when you think about burning your hand, a couple of other thoughts are triggered due to how using your brain works. This system of alert thinking processes is referred to as cognition. These can be reactionary and cautionary responses based on the knowledge you have acquired in your lifetime and how that has informed you of your world. This happened that one time, so now I know this information that causes my actions in this scenario that triggered me to think of that one time. There are always parts of your brain that are working to keep you alive (respiratory systems, blood pumping, don't fall off that cliff) and parts of your brain that activate each time you do something or think certain things. Our ability for these complex thoughts and processes is what separates us from our evolutionary predecessors and pushed us into the era of human growth and expansion that we are in today.
To figure out exactly how the brain works various studies use different brain imaging methods to track activity and patterns when working with or on specific tests or stimuli. This study showed that the left anterior frontal gyrus (an area of your brain that usually deals with speech, language, and production of such things) and the temporal poles (parts of your brain that are suspected to have a heavy hand in socio-emotional processing relating to things like facial processing and emotional responses) are activated when subjected to the different types of technical thinking that make up creative processes. While more research is being conducted all the time, there are still a lot of things that we are uncertain of when it comes to our brains and creativity. Staying up to date on the latest research is a great way to keep in touch with your creative side. Let me help by signing up for my email list to stay connected with the creative!
Creativity has had a slew of working definitions over the years as scientists and thinkers struggle to come up with the best ways to understand and study it. The Oxford Dictionary defines it as "the use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work." But how do these original ideas happen or how do I have them? What if my imagination isn't very good? All very good questions with varying answers. You can see why creativity might be a hard thing to pin down. To better your creativity and imagination, go out and experience art and creativity. Similar to muscles, creativity gets easier to use the more you use it. Humans are adaptable creatures, changing throughout our entire history to survive the world around us better. This means that our brains can pick things up pretty quickly if we know how to go about it or have proper motivation. Working your creative muscle is much less physically demanding and more colorful than lifting weights thankfully.
You can't use up creativity. The more you use it, the more you have it." - Maya Angelou
The best way to work out your creativity is to experience art and things that challenge your thoughts or ways of thinking. There are so many ways to go about this that it would take years to compile that list, but here are a few ideas to start. Make time for yourself to be more creative. On days off, instead of sitting and binging a new show, go to your local craft store and obtain whatever art supplies call to you (stores like Dollar General and Five Below often have art sections too!). Go crazy with your own art day! Inviting a friend to visit your local art museum is also an excellent way to spend your time and expand your creativity. Some galleries even offer free days or events. Prompt work can be a creativity stimulant that comes in many forms. Check out my creativity prompts on my Instagram and sign up for my email list to receive your FREE list of 9 Deep Creativity Prompts for multiple mediums!
By taking a closer look at creativity as a whole, we can begin to expand our brains in ways we haven't even begun to explore yet, while also positively benefiting our own lives. Creativity is used all around the world by every person, every day. From seeing something mundane and turning it into entertainment in your head or the daydreams you might engage in, creativity weaves its way into our lives in many ways, so why not learn how to use it. Human creativity has limitless opportunities and will continue to play an integral role in progress into whatever the future holds. Keep your minds wandering, creativity flowing and I'll see you All Over! More on creativity coming soon ;)
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