COULD EXERCISE BOOST YOUR CREATIVITY?
Running shoe brand Brooks recently introduced the concept of ‘runfulness’ – a form of mindfulness runners can achieve that’s especially useful for bolstering creativity. In a survey, nine out of 10 respondents agreed they think about new things while running, with 80% experiencing ‘transformative new ideas’. As well as a decrease in stress levels, other key benefits of running were: no time pressure (i.e. not having to worry about getting home at a certain time), not forcing it, plus running alone and without music.
BOO STING THAT BRAIN BUZZ
Many researchers have delved into the physiology behind neurotransmitters - the “chemical messengers” that can buzz around our systems. Exercise is a powerful way to channel them, explains Lou Campbell, a counselling psychotherapist, sleep therapist and mindfulness teacher. “Especially serotonin, which is responsible for energy, feelings of connection and contentment, and we can stimulate our serotonin with cardio exercise – like running, walking, swimming, football, aerobics – anything that gets the heart pumping stimulates serotonin and also endorphins, which give us a feeling of mental positivity”. Then there’s dopamine, “which gives us feelings of pleasure, reward and achievement. It’s also very responsible for motivation and gives us a sense of mental resilience,” adds Campbell. “Strengthening exercises stimulate dopamine – weights, resistance bands, push-ups, pull-ups, planks... Pilates is also very good for strengthening.”
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Of course, many workouts combine cardio and strength – win-win – and better yet if you can get outdoors. “You’ll also benefit from daylight coming in through your eyes, which boosts serotonin,” says Campbell. “Stretching is also a really important physical activity stress makes our muscles tense, and it’s very good to help come to a state of calm just by stretching your muscles.” Bottom line, Campbell says exercise is “an excellent cure for creative block”. It can be all too easy to let these habits slide, though, when work gets really busy – perhaps just when we need these neurotransmitter-boosts the most. Even though I know all this stuff, I don’t always get out to exercise,” Campbell admits. “But I do at the minimum make sure I get out and get some daylight, even if it’s just a 20 minute walk at the end of the day.”