Recently I had an interesting discussion with a young executive, where he was expressing concerns about the lack of innovation and creativity at his workplace. My question to him was if his organization was promoting workplace wellness.
This is because creativity requires an active mind: one that is present, focused and able to form inspired thoughts. In order to keep the mind active, exercise, nutrition, hydration, adequate sleep and stress management – all play a critical role.
A recent study in the Journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience shows that people who exercise regularly do better on tests of creativity than their more sedentary peers. Specifically, researchers noted that regular exercise seems to be associated with divergent and convergent thinking, where, divergent thinking involves thinking of multiple solutions of one problem and convergent thinking involves thinking of one solution for a problem.
According to neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki, author of “Healthy Brain, Happy Life” wrote that in addition to its stress reducing, mind focusing, productivity inducing and memory enhancing properties, there is evidence supporting the idea that exercise can help make us more creative. Exercise improves blood circulation, taking much needed oxygen and nutrients to the brain and seems to help people come up with new ideas.
A study recently conducted at Stanford found that creative thinking improves while a person is walking and during the short time after they return. Forward thinking Steve Jobs was famous for his “walking meetings”
Research is also showing that meditation changes the physical structure of the brain in significant ways. Meditation and reflection have been shown to increase frontal cortex activity – linked to focus, calm and concentration. There have also been a number of studies showing how yogic breathing practices increase the Alpha brain waves associated with lower levels of stress and greater levels of creativity. Alpha brain states are where brilliant ideas arise, and where athletes find their zone.
The practice of yoga helps release stress and emotions held at cellular level. Many studies show that profound ability of yoga to release trauma from the body. A simple yoga practice releases the emotions, stress and contortions of the body, easing repetitive strain and balancing the body and mind for enhanced creativity.
Stress, a lack of sleep and overuse of stimulants, such as caffeine, all negatively affect our nervous system. In order to keep the mind active, we must feed the brain with nutrients that are specifically required to nourish this amazingly complex organ and keep it hydrated – one of the first signs of dehydration is mental fatigue. A creative brain also needs sleep. Without it the brain becomes tired and foggy, with little motivation.
Promoting regular physical activity, healthy nutrition, stress management strategies and tools at workplaces will help nurture a healthy, high performing, creative and innovative workforce.