Creativity isn't just for artists; it's a superpower everyone can tap into. From doodles on a notebook to sudden aha moments, your brain has amazing ways of creating new ideas. According to science, imagination isn't random; it's something you can understand, cultivate, and train. Here are some of the most surprising, research-based facts about how creativity works and how to boost it.
-
How the Brain Fuels Creativity
Doodling boosts brain power
Doodling can actually increase creativity. Drawing and doodling helps your brain stay active and spark unexpected ideas.[2]
-
Creative brains are more connected
Creative people have stronger connections between the left and right hemispheres of their brain, which allows imagination and logic to work together.[8]
![How to be creative facts and ideas]()
Creativity involves the entire brain (memory, emotion, and problem solving) in the ultimate symphony
-
Gamma spikes precede "aha" moments
The brain releases a spark of gamma waives in the brain immediately before a person becomes consciously aware of their new idea. Also known as a "eureka" moment, this phenomena happens when the brain suddenly recognizes a pattern that was previously hidden.[5]
-
High dopamine levels fuel curiosity
Brain scans of artists show higher dopamine activity, which is linked to traits that help creative people explore undiscovered ideas. These traits include curiosity, risk-taking, and reward seeking.[8]
-
Thought Patterns That Unlock Ideas
Divergent thinking is key
Rather than searching for just one answer, creative people tend to use "divergent thinking," or thinking that creates many possible solutions that can be combined in many different ways.[8]
-
Associative thinking sparks innovative
Creative people are better at associative thinking, or thinking that makes remote connections between unrelated ideas in new ways.[8]
![Brain and creativity facts]()
Being bored isn't a distraction; its the brains gateway into creativity
-
Boredom is your secret weapon
Boredom is an important part of creativity. When the mind is bored, it is allowed to wander, form new associations, and feel unexpected insights.[8]
-
Ambiguity inspires creativity
Creative people often feel inspired and motivated by ambiguity, while most people seek closure and clarity.[8]
-
Emotions and Creativity
Negative emotions can fuel art
Sadness or frustration can push the brain to create something new as a type of coping mechanism.[6]
-
Failure is feedback
Instead of seeing a dead end, creative people tend to view failure or mistakes as a way to gain valuable feedback.[8]
![Being in the flow fact]()
Flow is the brain's peak creative state
-
Flow=peak creativity
Flow is when a someone enters a complete immersion and focus on an activity, so much so, that they lose track of time and self-consciousness. This is a state linked to happiness and peak performance.[7]
-
Lifestyle Habits That Boost Creativity
Exercise sparks new ideas
Physical activity, even a quick walk, can boost creativity for hours afterward.[4]
-
Multilingual brains are more flexible
Knowing more than one language improves multitasking and cognitive flexibility, enhancing creative thinking[2]
-
Sleep supercharges the imagination
REM sleep consolidates memories and allows the brain to combine them in novel ways.[2]
-
Change your environment
Exposure to new settings, art, or even clutter can give you fresh perspective and insight.[2]
-
Fascinating Quirks of Creative Minds
Some artists see or hear colors.
Known as synethesia, this phenomena links multiple senses in the brain, which creates unique artistic insights.[8]
![Creative patterns]()
Creativity is the brain's ability to spot hidden patterns
-
Artists notice hidden patterns
Artists have a heightened sensitivity of sensory details, which helps the notice meanings and patterns that other people might miss.[8]
-
Einstein knew the secret
Einstein noted that imagination is more important than intelligence, and that creativity is "intelligence having fun."[3]
-
Creativity can literally grow your brain
Studies show creativity activity strengthens neural networks and enhances problem-solving skills.[2]
-
Fun Facts about Creativity
Your brain has 6,000 thoughts per day
Creative people are better at connecting them.[1]
-
The etymology of "create"
The word "create" is from the PIE word *ker-, which means "to grow."[2]
-
The number one killer of creativity is stress
Especially when the stressor involves rigid timeframes and criteria.[6]