Five Ways to Become More Creative

25 February 2025

Written by: Willy MakeIt

Creativity is the ability to think outside the box, generate original ideas, and solve problems in innovative ways. It is not only an essential skill in the arts but also plays a crucial role in problem-solving, business innovation, and personal development. The good news is that creativity is NOT a fixed trait— in fact, there are several scientifically proven methods that will enhance or nurture one's creative abilities. 

The following essay will explore five different methods to boost creativity; these include physical exercise, meditation, changing your environment, taking breaks, and embracing constraints. Each of these approaches is grounded in scientific research that highlights their effectiveness in boosting creative output. So sit down, relax and prepare to learn a thing or two!

1. Engage in Physical Exercise

Exercise is not just good for the body as it has profound benefits for the brain as well. Several studies have shown that physical activity can significantly boost creativity, particularly in tasks that require divergent thinking, such as brainstorming or solving complex problems. Divergent thinking is the ability to generate a wide range of ideas from a single starting point and it is essential for creative ideation.

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology showed that people who engaged in aerobic exercise (i.e - walking or cycling) demonstrated enhanced creative thinking as opposed to those who were inactive. 

Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, promoting the growth of new neurons and improving cognitive functions like memory, attention, and problem-solving. Furthermore, exercise increases the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that helps maintain healthy brain function and supports the creation of new neural connections.

In addition to physical benefits, exercise can also enhance creativity by improving mood. Regular physical activity is known to trigger the release of endorphins, which promote feelings of happiness and reduce stress. A positive mental state is conducive to creative thinking, as it allows individuals to approach problems with optimism and openness, which are essential qualities for generating novel ideas.

2. Practice Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It has become a popular practice for reducing stress and improving mental clarity. Interestingly enough, research has shown that mindfulness can also boost creativity, particularly in tasks that require flexibility in thinking.

A study published in the Creativity Research Journal found that people who practiced mindfulness showed improved divergent thinking, which is crucial for creativity. Mindfulness meditation encourages individuals to clear their minds of distractions, leading to better cognitive control and the ability to focus on the task at hand. It also reduces rumination, a common barrier to creativity that involves getting stuck on unproductive thoughts or negative emotions. By reducing mental clutter, mindfulness meditation enables individuals to access more creative solutions to problems.

Furthermore, mindfulness can foster a mindset of openness to new experiences, which is another important aspect of creativity. Research in Psychological Science suggests that mindfulness encourages people to let go of preconceptions and approach tasks with a fresh perspective, increasing the likelihood of generating innovative ideas.

The practice of mindfulness meditation has other cognitive benefits, such as improving working memory and attention. By strengthening these cognitive functions, mindfulness creates a mental environment where creativity can thrive, making it easier for individuals to connect seemingly unrelated concepts or ideas.

3. Change Your Environment

The environment in which you work plays a critical role in influencing creativity. A stimulating and dynamic environment can help break free from routine thinking and spark new ideas. Scientific research supports the idea that changing your physical surroundings can help you think more creatively.

In a study published in Psychological Science, researchers found that people who worked in a novel or unfamiliar environment performed better on creative problem-solving tasks. The study suggested that a change of scenery helps individuals break free from habitual thinking patterns and increases cognitive flexibility. Novel environments can encourage individuals to approach problems from new angles, as they are no longer constrained by their usual routines or physical settings. NOTE: THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU HAVE TO MOVE TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE PLANET! 

Simple, subtle changes to your environment can have an impact on creativity. For example, adding plants or bright colors to a workspace has been shown to enhance mood and stimulate creativity. A study published in Horticulture Technology found that workers in offices with plants reported higher levels of job satisfaction and creativity compared to those in barren, plant-free environments.

Moreover, the concept of "environmental enrichment" suggests that exposure to varied sensory stimuli—such as new sounds, colors, or visual stimuli—can activate neural pathways that are involved in creative thinking. The brain thrives on novelty, and exposing it to different environments helps create the conditions for fresh ideas to emerge.

4. Take Breaks and Chill TF Out (The Power of Incubation)

The idea that stepping away from a problem can lead to creative breakthroughs is known as "incubation." Incubation refers to the process of allowing the unconscious mind to work on a problem while the conscious mind is engaged in something else. Scientific studies have consistently demonstrated that taking breaks or allowing time for incubation can significantly improve creativity.

A study published in Psychological Science explored the relationship between breaks and creative problem-solving. The researchers found that participants who took breaks after working on a challenging problem were more likely to arrive at creative solutions once they returned to the task. The researchers theorized that breaks allow the mind to refresh and consolidate information, leading to a new perspective on the problem.

Incubation works because the brain continues to process information at a subconscious level even when we are not actively thinking about it. This subconscious processing often leads to sudden insights, known as "aha moments," which are critical for creative problem solving. The process of incubation also allows for relaxation, which reduces stress and anxiety, two factors that can inhibit creative thinking.

Moreover, research on "cognitive fatigue" shows that working for long stretches without breaks can diminish creative output. When the brain is tired, it struggles to make connections between ideas, which hampers the creative process. Taking regular breaks helps to restore mental energy and improve cognitive function, making it easier to generate creative ideas when you return to work.

5. Embrace Constraints

At first glance, constraints might seem like a hindrance to creativity. After all, creativity is often associated with boundless freedom. However, scientific research has shown that limitations can actually stimulate creative thinking and lead to more innovative solutions.

For example, a study in the Creativity Research Journal found that when individuals were given specific constraints or rules to follow, they tended to come up with more creative ideas than when they were given complete freedom. Constraints force individuals to think more strategically and work within defined parameters, which can spark novel approaches to problems. The process of finding creative solutions within a limited framework can often lead to breakthrough ideas.

One famous example of how constraints can boost creativity is the development of the original Star Wars films. Director George Lucas faced numerous technical and financial limitations, which forced him and his team to think creatively about special effects, storytelling, and film production. As a result, Star Wars became a groundbreaking and highly creative franchise.

Constraints are effective because they reduce the overwhelming number of options available, allowing individuals to focus their mental energy on solving specific problems. This focused thinking often leads to innovative solutions that may not have been considered in a less constrained environment.

Conclusion

Creativity is a skill that can be developed and nurtured through specific practices. Science offers several evidence-based strategies for enhancing creativity, including engaging in physical exercise, practicing mindfulness meditation, changing your environment, taking breaks, and embracing constraints. 

Each of these methods fosters a mental environment that encourages new ideas, problem-solving, and innovation. By incorporating these practices into daily life, individuals can cultivate their creative potential and improve their ability to think outside the box, ultimately leading to greater success in both personal and professional endeavors.

Thanks for reading!