100% misleading title? Maybe.
This post won't specifically be about writing. I want to talk about a topic I love and that is crucial to anyone really, from scientists to artists, and yes, even to office workers. Creativity.
Let’s explore creativity from a broad angle. How does it work really?
It starts in the brain. There are two main networks that are relevant when it comes to having creative thoughts: the Default Mode Network (DMN) and the Executive Attention Network (EAN).
What do they do?
The DMN is the one you use when you do… well, nothing. When you're just chilling on the beach, you're on the DMN. When you're doing the dishes, you're on the DMN. When you’re walking in the woods, you're on the DMN. This network, also called the imagination network, is crucial for creativity, mainly because it’s active when you’re bored, which means you're leaving enough space for those odd ideas that have been incubating for days or weeks to pop up. It’s the famous Eureka moment. Unfortunately, the DMN is also the asshole in your head. He’s the worried parent, the condescending critic, the catastrophizing prick, .
Then you've got the EAN. This dude is extra serious. He looks like this:
There's no fucking around with the EAN. When this bastard is activated, you're focussed and you're working hard. You're attentive. When you’re doing your taxes, that’s the EAN. When you’re editing a manuscript, that’s the EAN. When you're listening to a podcast on nuclear fusion while walking in the woods, that's the EAN. When you're on Facebook, that's... the Agonizing Death of Hell Network.
These days, I’d argue most people are mostly using the EAN most of the time. Because as I said, the DMN can be a real asshole, which encourages us to run away from him. How do we do that? By keeping our attention occupied by random stuff.
The problem is if you want to increase your creativity, you need both. You need to be able to quickly move from one to the other. From convergent to divergent thinking. How do you do that? You plan for solitude and boredom, but also, you need to be in a good mood often.
No, I’m not kidding. First, when you’re feeling chirpy, the DMN is less of a dick, and second, you're more receptive to the crazy ideas it shoots at you. So how to be in a good mood? There are four scientifically-backed activities that will improve your chances:
Gratitude
Mindfulness
Exercise (sex goes in this category, although if your that guy:
it can definitely fit under 1 as well)
Sleep
Easy right? Let's take them one by one.
Gratitude trains your DMN to be on the lookout for positive things, ideas and solutions instead of focussing on problems and negative thinking.
Mindfulness trains you to recognize that gap between thoughts, which can be useful to actually catch those those batshit crazy ideas even while you’re working. It helps to switch between the EAN and DMN fast.
Exercise shoots you up with all the good homemade drugs.
Sleep is fundamental. If you don't have enough Deep Sleep and REM sleep, chances are your DMN is really going to pound you down.
“You never had ONE good, original idea, you worthless piece of shit!!”
— The Default Mode Network of no one in particular 🤔
That’s all folks.
Go be happy.