05/28/2024
We live and breathe creativity & innovation. Recently, we explored the topic of creativity in context of neuroplasticity of the brain. The conclusion is clear: engaging in creative activities, even for a short periods of time, changes our brains for the better!
Until the 1980s, it was widely believed that our intelligence along with the structure of our brain were fully developed and therefore pretty much fixed by early adulthood. Researchers believed that there is a fixed number of neurons in the adult brain that cannot be replaced when the cells die. However, the most recent neuroscience research has debunked this myth, revealing that our brains have the capacity to change and adapt well into our late 90s, a lot longer than we originally thought. There are numerous pathways through which our brains evolve, including learning new skills, physical exercise, engaging in creating activity, practicing mindfulness, diets, and many others. With extended lifespans it has become more important than ever to have our health intact and our brains functioning better and longer.
For centuries, creativity has also captivated philosophers but defining the exact nature and boundaries of creativity has long been a complex endeavor. While creativity may be expressed through art or music, it is more broadly defined as the mental ability to conceptualize new, unusual or unique ideas, or to recognize new connections between seemingly random or unrelated concepts. It can also be defined as the introduction of something new and positive for society, that goes beyond the familiar and accepted. Importantly, creativity is something that not only engages the brain but it ultimately changes it.
The intricate relationship between creativity and the human brain extends far beyond artistic expression, touching the very core of cognitive development and brain health. Engaging in creative activity challenges and expands our conceptual frameworks, encouraging us to make novel associations and overcome ingrained knowledge constraints. It is linked with the ability to think divergently, which is also often linked to risk-taking and novelty-seeking behaviors.
For example, engaging in dance, leads to structural changes including increased hippocampal and gray matter volume. Functional changes included alterations in cognitive function such as significant improvement in memory, attention, body balance and psychosocial parameters. There is also positive correlation musical aptitude and various cognitive tasks.
The topic fascinate us, as we leverage creative expression in "Creative by Design Workshops" to help companies innovate. We now can share that we don't only influence the way participants think, but through our process, we effectively contribute to the changes of people's brains!
Creativity is not just a frivolous activity. It allows our brains to become more efficient as we become better problem solvers. Use it, as it also expands!
