Brain Exercises to Stimulate Creativity

The brain is a muscle. Well, not strictly speaking, but the brain benefits from exercise just like the muscles in your body. When you exercise your brain, you create new neural pathways, and this increased connectivity within our mind makes for better creativity and problem solving. Wouldn't it make sense that if you work out your brain, then your brain function improves? Of course! And with improved brain function, that means improved creativity as well. In fact, there are specific exercises for the right brain—where creativity and artistic function originate—that can keep you creating art like a well-oiled machine. So, break away from your old neural pathways and your regular routine, and build that brain muscle!

Switch Hands
The easiest way to stimulate brain growth is to use your other hand. If you are right-handed, use your left, and vice versa. Simple things for your other hand can be brushing your teeth, using chopsticks, or painting. If you want a tougher workout, try something as involved as teaching yourself to write, or drawing with your non-dominant hand. In fact, writing is an advanced brain function, so start writing or drawing with the other hand. As your dexterity improves, you can be sure that new neural pathways are being created.

Change of Scenery
If you have your set routes for getting around, try switching things up. Take a different route to work, get lost on your way to the grocery store, or hop on your bike to go to school. Mixing up how you get from point A to point B is a great way to stimulate brain function.

Do you always sit in the same place to do your creative work? Get outdoors! Grab a portable drawing board or easel and literally get a change of scenery. These simple things will ensure that you keep your brain healthy for years to come.

Switch Your Medium
Are you exclusively an illustrator, painter, or airbrush artist? Change your medium and change your mentality! Look for an area that is in opposition to what you are comfortable with. If you always work with oil paint, try sculpture instead. Fabric painting is a great alternative for photographers. Comfortable with your still-life pen and ink drawings? Get abstract with spray paint!

Brain stimulation is all about new experiences and stimuli, so get out of that comfort zone and take a plunge into the unknown!