When it comes to fostering creativity, many of us assume it’s all about mental stimulation and inspiration. However, a growing body of research suggests that physical activity may play a crucial role in unlocking our creative potential.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports by researchers from the University of Graz sheds new light on the relationship between physical activity and creative behavior, revealing fascinating insights that can benefit both individuals and organizations.
Cognitive Benefits of Physical Activity
Numerous studies highlight the cognitive benefits of physical activity (PA) across all age groups. Regular exercise has been linked to improved working memory, attention skills, and executive functions. These cognitive enhancements are not limited to basic tasks but extend to more complex processes like creative ideation and academic achievements. For instance:
- Creative Cognition: PA is associated with enhanced creative thinking, including the generation of novel ideas and problem-solving. Studies using objective measures like accelerometry found that moderate to vigorous physical activity correlates with higher scores on creativity assessments, such as the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT).
- Academic Performance: PA also positively influences academic outcomes, particularly in children and adolescents. The improved cognitive functioning resulting from regular activity supports better academic achievements.
Physical Activity and Real-Life Creative Behavior
While the connection between PA and creative potential is well-documented, less is known about its relationship with real-life creative behaviors and achievements. Creative behavior encompasses activities like writing, composing music, or inventing recipes, while creative achievements include recognized outcomes like artworks or published research.
The Study
The study involved 156 participants and used a combination of objective and subjective measures to assess physical activity and its impact on creative activities and achievements.
The results showed that individuals with less sedentary behavior and higher levels of moderate to vigorous PA were more likely to engage in creative activities, such as cooking original dishes or making music. This association held even when controlling for other factors that might influence creative behavior.
Physical Activity as a Predictor of Creative Activities
Interestingly, the study found that self-reported habitual physical activity (or how often individuals reported engaging in PA) was a stronger predictor of creative activities and achievements than objective measures of PA, such as time spent exercising. This suggests that not only the amount but also the consistency and frequency of PA matter.
What Does This Mean for Our Creative Potential?
The findings suggest that PA can positively impact our ability to think creatively, extending beyond cognitive benefits like improved memory and attention. In other words, regular PA can help us generate more original ideas and approach problems from fresh perspectives.
Implications of the Research
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For individuals, incorporating PA into daily routines—whether through a lunchtime walk, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or joining a recreational sports team—can be beneficial. For organizations, encouraging employees to engage in PA during the workday, through workplace fitness classes or flexible work arrangements, could boost creativity.
Ultimately, the study’s findings indicate that PA is not only good for physical health but also for creative well-being. By integrating more PA into daily life, we can unlock new sources of inspiration and innovation, leading to greater success and satisfaction in both personal and professional spheres.
Conclusion
The study makes a significant contribution to the field of creativity and PA by investigating the association between PA and real-life creative behaviors. The findings suggest a positive relationship between PA and creative activities as well as achievements. This means individuals who engage in regular PA are more likely to participate in creative activities and produce creative accomplishments in their daily lives.
Practically speaking, this means incorporating PA into our daily routines can improve not only our physical and mental health but also our creative potential and daily creative behaviors. This has important implications for individuals, educators, and organizations aiming to foster creativity and innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Physical activity is associated with real-life creative behaviors, including creative activities and achievements.
- PA is linked not only to health variables, basic cognition, and complex cognitive functions but also to daily routines and activities.
- Incorporating PA into daily routines can enhance creative potential and real-life creative behaviors.
The study was funded by the University of Graz.
Contact
Christian Rominger
University of Graz
Graz, Austria
Email: christian.rominger@uni-graz.at
Reference (open access)
Rominger, C., Fink, A., M., C., Benedek, M., & Schwerdtfeger, A. R. (2024). Habitual physical activity is related to more creative activities and achievements. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-80714-6
