CREATIVITY

"Creativity is intelligence having fun." -- Albert Einstein

Creativity is a phenomenon whereby something new and somehow valuable is formed. The created item may be intangible (such as an idea, a scientific theory, a musical composition, or a joke) or a physical object (such as an invention, a printed literary work, or a painting).

Scholarly interest in creativity is found in a number of disciplines, primarily psychology, business studies, and cognitive science, but also education, technology, engineering, philosophy (particularly philosophy of science), theology, sociology, linguistics, and economics, covering the relations between creativity and general intelligence, personality type, mental and neural processes, mental health, or artificial intelligence; the potential for fostering creativity through education and training; the fostering of creativity for national economic benefit, and the application of creative resources to improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning.

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3 important reasons to be more creative …

Creativity predicts a longer life.

In this Scientific American article, “researchers found that only creativity—not intelligence or overall openness—decreased mortality risk. One possible reason creativity is protective of health is because it draws on a variety of neural networks within the brain.” James Clear cites studies and research that demonstrate creating art decreases negative emotions, reduces stress and anxiety, and improved medical outcomes. Not only can being creative help you live longer, but it can improve your quality of health and life too.

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Solve problems

Being creative helps you become a better problem solver in all areas of your life and work. Instead of coming from a linear, logical approach, your creative side can approach a situation from all angles. Creativity helps you see things differently and better deal with uncertainty. Studies show that creative people are better able to live with uncertainty because they can adapt their thinking to allow for the flow of the unknown.

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Develop confidence

Being creative comes with many ups and downs and a high risk of failure. You have to be vulnerable to share your art, and willing to take the risk that what you create may never see the light of the day. Engaging in the creative process is a great confidence builder, because you discover that failure is part of the process. Once we see failure as something that is survivable, and something that helps us grow and that it makes our work better, we can release the fear and try new things even at the risk of failing.

I brought a small bag of paints and brushes when we moved last year, put them in a drawer, and told myself that if they were still in the drawer in a year, I would throw them out. I’m so glad I used them before my deadline arrived. I didn’t create a masterpiece and that might not look exactly like Henry, but the joy I felt putting brush to paper reminded me why making time for it is so important.

Tips to be more creative: -

Here are some tips and tricks to become more creative.

1. Explain things to yourself.

2. Go for a walk.

3. Become open to new experiences.

4. Create a mood board.

5. Paint your room.

6. Write down your dreams.

7. Challenge yourself.

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Yoga Poses to Boost Creativity

Feeling uninspired? Try these five poses to get the creative juices flowing.

Pigeon Pose.

 It’s common knowledge among yoga students that we store emotions in our hips, so hip-openers like Pigeon Pose can help people release a lot of negative emotions. But the hips and pelvis are also a center for creativity. This part of the body is aligned with the second chakra, which represents creative energy (as well as sexual energy and reproduction). Honestly, I don't know that much about chakras, but I know from experience that taking Pigeon Pose on both sides and forward bending with my forehead pressing into the ground for a few minutes is the best medicine for blocked creativity.

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Seated Garudasana (Eagle Pose).

This is another hip-opener that I love to do whenever I feel creatively blocked. As an added bonus, it’s also a shoulder stretch. Since I hold a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders, it’s a good way for me to soften both tension and any apprehension that might be holding me back from self-expression.

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Child's Pose. 

You can’t force creativity. Sometimes all you need to do is relax, take a break, and let the wisdom bubble up naturally. Child’s Pose helps me do this when I feel like I’ve run out of steam.

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Essential Oil Therapy

Oils credited with the ability to enhance creativity are:

• Bergamot – Fruity and sweet, it reduces stress, anxiety and apathy.

• Frankincense – This spicy oil calms and soothes the whole body and mind.

• Jasmine – Deliciously fragrant, it produces feelings of calm, confidence, optimism and euphoria.

• Cypress – eliminates mental fog and nervous tension

• Orange Citrus – stimulates joy, eases anxiety and worry

• Eucalyptus – boosts enthusiasm, creativity and mental acuity

• Lavender – enhances mood, induces relaxation

• Peppermint – invigorates the mind, promotes concentration

• Clary Sage – increases intuitive powers, inspires higher consciousness

• Rosemary – improves mental clarity

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Meditation 

Chakras, mindful attention, sensory, progressive muscle relaxation 

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