The Covid-19 pandemic has wrought massive disruption throughout society, leading to loss of life, health, jobs, childcare, industries, stability, and peace of mind as we knew it. It marks the first time in a century that everyone on the planet has simultaneously gone through the same unplanned, stressful transition. Despite experiencing such large-scale uncertainty, we can collectively rely on one thing: the human brain comes equipped with powerful response mechanisms to protect us.
4 Ways to Spark Creativity When You’re Feeling Stressed
Lessons from neuroscience.
October 01, 2021
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Summary.
Thanks to the ongoing stress of the pandemic, it’s no wonder many of us have been feeling more tired and uninspired than creative recently. When we understand how the brain functions when we’re under threat or dealing with potentially frightening challenges, it becomes easier to design specific strategies to alleviate the fears that arise both consciously and unconsciously in the face of disruption, thereby supporting creativity. The authors offer four science-backed steps to help you turn the stress of disruption into fuel for creativity, lessening your evolutionary fear reflexes and instead nourishing and revitalizing your creative brain circuits. Implement these ideas any time your innovative juices need a boost, but particularly during your toughest challenges — after all, periods of rapid change, disruption, and global uncertainty are arguably when bold, brave creativity is needed the most.