Comments (17)

By kilax, January 16, 2010 6:15 am

Have you ever felt like exercise helps you be more creative? Do you finish a run or a good strength workout with a million ideas in your head?

Well, I sure do! I sometimes think I should run with a recorder so I can talk out my thoughts and ideas. And I actually take a notepad with me when cycling so I can write things down!

My scribbly notes taken while running!

The Jan/Feb issue of Health had an article on the topic – “How Exercise Makes You More Creative.”* The article explains why this happens:

When you work out, your body flushes out cortisol, the hormone that helps trigger the “fight or flight” response when you’re stressed, and which also shuts down brain functions for creativity and problem-solving, explains Pierce J. Howard, PhD, managing director of research and development at the Center for Applied Cognitive Studies in Charlotte, North Carolina, and author of The Owner’s Manual for The Brain: Everyday Applications from Mind-Brain Research.

Meanwhile, your pituitary gland releases endorphins, which can produce the feel-good “runner’s high.” Exercise also promotes the growth of new nerve cells and synapses through elevating levels of neurotrophins (a chemical that fosters the growth of new nerve endings) and by increasing oxygen in the blood, which helps provide mental energy.

Pretty cool, right? Not only are we away from distractions when we work out, but our body is releasing endorphins to encourage good feelings and flushing out the cortisol that makes us feel stressed.

The article gives five tips to jump start your creativity:

Pick a low-concentration exercise that allows your mind to wander, such as brisk walking, swimming laps, hiking, or running. Sports, such as golf or tennis, or team activities, like soccer or basketball require too much strategizing or in-the-moment focus.

Exercise for a decent duration—at least 30 minutes.

Unless you and a partner plan to brainstorm on a shared project, exercise alone.

Bring a notepad or tape recorder so you can jot down brilliant ideas.

Get to work right after you return, while your creative juices are flowing. The shower can wait!

I can’t wait to see what creative ideas you come up with!

*Damn. I love it when magazines put their articles online so I can share them with you!

Comments (13)

By kilax, October 1, 2009 12:36 pm

If you had the opportunity to know what someone truly thought of you, would you want to know?

I wouldn’t want to know what people are thinking all the time, but I do often wonder how people perceive me (coworkers, friends, strangers, family).

And I am not fishing for compliments and input. Just sharing a thought.

I sometimes think if I knew how people perceive me, I would learn a little more about myself*. Not that I think everyone’s perception is spot on. I’ve just noticed that some people I know think of themselves in a certain manner, and broadcast who they think they are. But they don’t come off that way. At all.

I’ll use my personal example. I think of myself as an optimistic, happy, friendly person, but sometimes find myself talking about things in a negative manner (maybe this post came off that way?). So… I am either really a negative pessimistic person, or I need to change how I communicate.

But, how would I know, unless someone pointed that out to me? Maybe I should offer a different question – does anyone in your life claim to have certain characteristics, but not come off that way at all? Have you ever wanted to say anything to them about it?

Does this make any sense at ALL?! I’m not sure, but I’m going to hit “publish” anyway.

*Because I sometimes feel like I don’t really know who I am or what I want. I seem to be stuck in the short term – I want to relax, have fun, travel, spend time with friends and family… what is that?! Those aren’t life goals.

Comments (17)

By kilax, April 8, 2009 6:37 am

I don’t understand me lately. I feel like my emotions and thoughts are out of my control or something. I don’t feel like they are bad, just that they move forward without me. Like my brain won’t shut off.

I’ve been writing, passionately. I have all of these post sitting in my queue, just waiting to be posted.

But I am going to take a “quiet day.”

I think I need to start reviewing before I hit “publish.” I am letting myself get overwhelmed and too caught up in things.

If I keep “going going going” like this, I am going to end up crashing and getting sick again.