CRISIS ATHLETE™
Learn more about the 'why' behind
CREATIVITY
Why are we talking about creativity?
Like physical exercise, creative stimulation engages and focuses the mind differently and promotes neuroplasticity.
Continued Stress Harms the Brain
Continuous stress can physically rewire your brain—and not in a positive way. For example, shrinking of activity in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus (higher brain), and growth in the amygdala (primitive brain), leads to increased reactivity, and compromises decision-making ability and performance.
Neuroplasticity allows us to undo some of that damage. You can actually teach your brain how to be stronger, to undo some of this damage, and be more resilient to stressors. Simple steps can yield big results.
Recent studies find that engaging in creative activities reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and improves mental health and resiliency.
Our brains are hardwired for novelty, and introducing even small changes or experiences, stimulates dopamine release (the “feel good” hormone).
The novelty center of the brain is closely linked to the hippocampus, which plays major roles in learning and memory; and the amygdala which is involved in regulating emotional reaction and control.
Novelty can increase the plasticity of the hippocampus, and therefore the potential for improving memory and learning… but how do you leave room for novelty and creativity when the pace feels relentless and never ending?
What does neuroscience say about creativity?
TIPS AND ACTIVITIES
How do I increase creativity?
You don’t have to be an expert to BEGIN to reap the benefits.
START today with simple, quick, effective tactics.
Individual, Team
COLLABORATIVE ART
Put up some large pieces of butcher paper, poster board, chart pads, or canvas roll/sheet if you can get it (Logistics?!) in your Operations Center, at your home office, or other setting. Provide some markers, paints, crayons, or other materials to use throughout the day(s).
Draw, write, express feelings. It’s not only a way to engage your brain differently, but a way to remember and capture the moment.
Idea: Save them and frame them or upcycle into other art forms for display.
Team
Building Blocks
Introducing simple Lego® activities into meetings or discussion can change dynamics and open neural pathways.
Create 60-second individual and 90-second team challenges. For example, what can you build in under a minute (house, tree, rocket, #Legoduck)? Or, how many different #Legoducks can your team build in 90 seconds?
Team
CREATIVITY KIT
Create a kit that you or your team can use for a creativity break. Fill it with activities you can grab for a quick break, such as: notepads for doodling; adult coloring pages or books (lots of free printables online); modeling clay, brain teaser toys (e.g., Rubik’s cube, Coogam toys, Legos, etc.), and puzzles.
Want to learn more?
Contact us for more information on how we can leverage advances in neuroscience to understand human behavior, cultivate growth, and get results for you and your organization.
