What we refer to as creativity is often referred to as “divergent thinking” by neuroscientists. Divergent thinking is a non-linear thought process that draws on many possible ideas to render an optimal solution (as opposed to convergent thinking, which follows a linear set of logical steps to arrive at one solution). If you want to solve an equation, then convergent thinking is the ticket, but if you want to paint the next Mona Lisa, ace an essay exam or even write a stand-up comedy routine, divergent thinking is what you’ll need. Here are six things that you can do to turbocharge your creative process:
- Walk: researchers at Stanford have found that taking a walk–be it outside or on a treadmill–can dramatically boost divergent thought.
- Be Bored: according to researchers at Oakland University, the reason why walking is so effective at boosting creative thought is that it induces boredom, which causes your mind to subconsciously turn over the problems you’ve been grappling with.
- Color: according to clinical psychologist Kimberly Wulfert, coloring induces the sort of mindfulness that boosts divergent thought, not unlike deep meditation.
- Keep a bedside idea pad: our fatigued brains are less able to filter unconventional/creative ideas and thoughts, so keeping a notepad on the nightstand can serve as a great mechanism for preserving those pre-slumber epiphanies.
- Reminisce: according to the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, thinking about the past can help boost both linguistic creativity and creative thought.
- Take Nootropic Stacks like Mental Mojo: the neurochemist and formulators that developed Mental Mojo packed the formula full of L-Tyrosine for a reason: it is proven to boost creative thought (See, e.g., Colzato, “Food for Creativity: Tyrosine Promotes Deep Thinking,” Psychological Research Journal, Sep. 2015). This stands in stark contrast to Adderall, which is known to actually diminish creative thought, hence why many describe its effects as “tunnel vision.” (See, e.g., Farah, “When we enhance cognition with Adderall, do we sacrifice creativity?” Journal of Psychopharmacology, October 2008). Try Mental Mojo today!