The links between movement and creativity

When do you have your best ideas?

For me, there’s an intrinsic link between movement and inspiration. There’s something about motion or physical action that allows my mind to wander and make new connections.

Logically, you’d think there’s an inherent contradiction between being in the moment and allowing your mind to flit around, zipping from one idea to another. But I’ve come to view being present with my imagination as another form of mindfulness, allowing thoughts to just arise, as they will – entering a state of flow as one idea sparks another and another in a chain reaction of unlikely connections.

What movement works best?

Personally, I’ve found that repetitive movements (walking, sweeping, washing dishes, showering) often free my mind most. There’s something about working with my hands that especially activates my cognition. And the rhythmic motion of striding to my destination, feet hitting pavement, one-two, one-two, hones my focus.

Moving in nature is also a big one for me. A bracing woodland hike (or lazy stroll) allows me to be present with hyper-awareness, zooming in on tiny details often missed in the flurry of modern daily life - just like this little baby snail I spotted on an oak leaf.

What does science say?

Of course, you don’t have to take my word for it. Plenty of scientists have investigated the links between exercise, movement and creativity. Let me share the findings of three recent studies.

A January 2024 review of studies¹ found that: 

• Walking had a positive effect on divergent thinking (originality), and in some studies it also enhanced fluency and flexibility.

• Evidence suggested that moderate intensity aerobic exercise and dance also positively influenced divergent thinking.

Japanese research results from 2023² suggested that outdoor exercise increases neuronal activity in brain regions related to creativity.

And a 2023 study³ found that after 6 weeks of regular physical activity, participants showed improvements in the fluency and originality components of divergent thinking.

All in all, plenty of good reasons for getting moving!

Some self-reflection/journalling prompts

• What sparks your imagination and creativity?

• Do you love the quiet calm of a cosy corner to help you focus?

• Or does motion and exercise work best for igniting insights?

• What sort of movement works best for you?

• What’s the right balance for you between movement and stillness?

• When are you most “in the zone”?

• How can you find more opportunities to get into creative flow?

I hope this blog post has sparked some curiosity about how movement can support your creative thinking. 

If you’d like some help with generating ideas and encouraging creativity in your life, I’m ready to work with you. Just contact me at [email protected] to arrange a free discovery call where we can discuss your needs and the support I can offer.

To receive more tips and support straight in your mailbox, sign up for my weekly newsletter.

1

Chen, C. Exploring the impact of acute physical activity on creative thinking: a comprehensive narrative review with a focus on activity type and intensity. Discovering Psychology 4, 3 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44202-024-00114-9

2

Kimura, T., Mizumoto, T., Torii Y., Ohno, M., Higashino, T., Yagi, Y. Comparison of the effects of indoor and outdoor exercise on creativity: an analysis of EEG alpha power. Frontiers in Psychology 14, (2023). https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1161533

3

Bollimbala, A., James, P.S. Impact of chronic physical activity on individuals’ creativity. Psychological Research 88, 684–694 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-023-01862-4