Breaking the Mold
The Surprising Impact of Physical Activity on Creative Thinking and Problem-Solving
Creativity is a crucial aspect of many industries, and graphic design is no exception.
Sometimes, creativity doesn’t come easy, and we struggle to produce innovative solutions that are so important to succeed in the field.
The good news is, we can learn how our creative brain works, and how to use the benefits of regular movement for our advantage.
The Anatomy of the Creative Brain
The brain is the epicentre of our thoughts, emotions and behaviours. But where does the creativity come from?
There are two answers: frontal and parietal lobes [1].
As the name indicates, the frontal lobe is located at the front of the brain, and is the origin of our attention, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. At the top and back of the brain, “lives” the parietal lobe that allows us to process our sensations and to be aware of the space around us. Both of these regions work together to generate new ideas and innovative solutions.
So, how does the movement affect our creativity? Regular physical activity improves our memory and supports the growth and survival of new brain cells [2]. We remember things better, and produce more relevant, unique ideas.
To find out what stimulates our minds best, let’s take a look at three types of activities, backed by science: walking, balance exercises, and tactile experiences.
The Problem-Solving Walk
Enhancing creativity may seem like a challenging task, but a simple and effective solution may be just a few steps away.
According to research conducted by Marily Oppezzo and Daniel Schwartz from Stanford University, walking could be the answer to unlocking your creative potential.
The 2014 study looked at the impact of walking on ideation. Participants were asked to perform four tasks, two while seated and two while walking on a treadmill. The results were astounding, with 81% of people showing improvement in their scores as they were exercising. The researchers noted, “Whether outdoors or not, walking enhances the generation of innovative ideas, leading to ideas of superior quality.”[3]
This shows that taking a walk, even indoors, could be an effective way to improve the quality of your ideas. So, next time you want a creative boost, don’t hesitate to take a short walk. The solution may be closer than you think.
The Space of Balance
Experiencing a creative block can leave us feeling empty, anxious, and confused. While taking time to slow down and rest is important, balance exercises can help us generate new solutions with less effort.
Scientists from the University of Padova found that people who dance regularly have a better spatial cognition [4], and can accurately predict how the objects will look from a different angle. Having this skill is especially valuable for scientists, engineers, and graphic designers, who all need to understand how spaces and objects interact to produce innovative solutions [5].
Once you have an idea, bringing it to life through sketches or digital design requires precise and delicate movements.
Coordination sports like baseball, tennis, and bowling are especially effective for graphic designers who want to develop their fine motor skills and maintain proper posture for long working hours [6].
Many coordination sports can be played in teams, which can also be a great way to bond with your colleagues and friends!
Tactile Inspiration
Lastly, let’s take a look at the sense of touch, which is often overlooked by creatives who mainly use their keyboard while working.
Tactile exercises can help us see the problem from a new perspective.
In 2016, US neurologists asked the group of people to rearranged blocks with their hands by rotating and repositioning them. Those who completed this task performed better on the next similar task that required imagination[7].
Taking part in hands-on activities, like knitting or pottery, can also increase positive mood and feelings of accomplishment [8]. So, if you have a spare moment, consider playing with clay, fidget toys, or a stress ball to help you relax and tackle design problems in an inventive way.
The Commitment to Movement
Being physically active is great for your creative mind, whether you play baseball outside or dance to your favourite music indoors. To make it a habit, choose an activity that you enjoy and can do regularly, and remember to stay hydrated and breathe deeply.
By doing what we love, we can build healthy habits that support our growth as designers and as individuals.
Research links:
1. Rex E Jung, et al. Neuroanatomy of creativity (2009) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19722171/
2. Rasmussen, P. et al. Evidence for a release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor from the brain during exercise (2009) https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1113/expphysiol.2009.048512
3. Oppezzo M, Schwartz DL. Give your ideas some legs: the positive effect of walking on creative thinking. J Exp Psychol Learn Mem Cogn. (2014) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24749966/
4. Palmiero M, et al. The Dancers’ Visuospatial Body Map Explains Their Enhanced Divergence in the Production of Motor Forms: Evidence in the Early Development (2019) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6467967/
5. Harrison J. Kell, David Lubinski, Camilla P. Benbow, Psychological Science (2013) https://my.vanderbilt.edu/smpy/files/2013/01/Kell-Lubinski-Benbow-20131.pdf
6. Shigematsu R, Chang M, Yabushita N, Sakai T, Nakagaichi M, Nho H, et al. Dance-based aerobic exercise may improve indices of falling risk in older women (2002) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12147563/
7. Lacey S, Sathian K. Crossmodal and Multisensory Interactions Between Vision and Touch (2015) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4715428/
8. Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature (2010) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2804629/
About the author
Maria Emberga is a Senior UX/UI Designer and Stretching Instructor based in the UK. Since 2012, her career showcases the harmonious integration of design thinking with a genuine interest for physical wellness. With a commitment to holistic design and a belief in the power of movement to enhance creative thinking, the author brings a fresh perspective, where the art of design and the art of movement harmonise to enrich both body and mind.
