Creativity is a skill. But unlike other skills, it’s not something you can summon on demand. Creative professionals describe creativity as a state of mind. So, while you can’t force it, you can certainly take special measures to encourage it. 

Indeed, at a biological level, being creative means that your brain is making new connections. However, the brain is a complex organ that needs a favorable environment to boost its creative functions. So, what can you do to help your brain work better?

Get the right tools

In a work environment where most things are digitized,m you don’t want to waste time with inefficient tools. A slow laptop may not seem like it can hinder your creativity, for instance. However, delays and IT troubles can lead to frustration, which will affect your creative process. Why? Frustration is an emotional response to a situation. Emotions, however, are associated with hormone production. When you are irritated and stressed out by your tools, cortisol levels (the stress hormone) increase. Cortisol increase can affect your learning and memory skills, which play a crucial role in maintaining your creativity. Additionally, you can get too preoccupied with your IT situation to focus on new ideas. 

Stay physically active

Your brain has the highest energy needs, as identified by your basal metabolism. Most people assume that the size of the brain is an indication of intelligence and creativity, believing that large brains need more energy. In reality, size plays no role in your creativity. Indeed, to make new connections and boost the thinking process, the brain requires abundant blood flow and plenty of oxygen. Creative individuals recognize the importance of a reliable fitness routine to boost blood and oxygen circulation to the brain. So, if you want to have more ideas, you might want to reach out to your local gym and ask for a dedicated plan. Personal trainers at places such as Fitness 19 can help create a workout program that enhances brain health — aka blood circulation and oxygenation through the body. 

Try out new things

When the brain makes new connections, in essence, it refers to things you’ve learned, seen, tried, or done. So, the more you are willing to make experiences, the more likely you are to give your brain materials for future connections. Not all experiences need to include going out of your comfort zone or doing something that would normally terrify you. You can focus on simple and accessible things you have no knowledge of. Something like trying out a new restaurant could expose you to new cultural experiences. Similarly, you can try out a new hobby, such as dance classes or painting. Novelty makes creativity. 

Embrace a creative diet

Last but not least, the brain needs food. As mentioned, your brain consumes a lot of energy, so you will have to design a brain-fueling diet. Creative influencer, Bevan Mahaney, follows a creativity-boosting diet that includes 12 hours of fasting to boost her cognitive functions. She also drinks ½ ounce of water per pound of body, as hydration is critical to brain functions. Her diet focuses on omega 3 fatty acids, nuts, broccoli, seaweeds, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. 

Are you ready to unlock your creative power? Hopefully, these tips can prepare your brain to crush its way through every blank page. Do you have any other habits you follow for your brain health?