Hacking Creativity

Have you ever noticed how chewing on a pencil or engaging in some other small, repetitive activity with your mouth can help you think more clearly or spark a burst of inspiration? You’re not alone. It seems like many people find that these simple actions can enhance their creative thinking and help them enter a state of flow. But I was asking myself why does this happen? So I started to research if there is some science behind this intriguing phenomenon and discover how I can harness it to boost my own creativity. Continuing I will share with you what I've learned.

The Science of Chewing and Creativity

1. Oral Fixation and Self-Soothing

Chewing on a pencil or similar objects can act as a self-soothing behavior, reducing stress and anxiety. When you're less stressed, your mind is free to wander, explore new ideas, and think creatively. This calming effect creates an environment conducive to entering the flow state, where ideas come more naturally and effortlessly.

2. Motor Activity and Cognitive Function

Research shows that mild motor activities, like chewing, can stimulate areas of the brain involved in attention and cognitive processing. For instance, a study published in Brain and Cognition found that chewing can enhance cognitive processing speed. This means that simple activities can help improve concentration and mental performance, making it easier for you to engage in creative thinking.

3. Sensory Stimulation

Engaging in activities that involve sensory stimulation, such as chewing or moving your tongue, can help maintain your alertness and focus. This sensory input prevents your mind from becoming bored or distracted, allowing you to sustain creative efforts over a longer period. Think of it as giving your brain a gentle nudge to stay on track.

4. Neurological Connections

There are direct neurological connections between the motor cortex (responsible for muscle movements) and the prefrontal cortex (involved in complex cognitive functions like planning and problem-solving). By activating motor functions through activities like chewing, you might also be stimulating your prefrontal cortex, enhancing your ability to think creatively.

5. Habitual Associations

For some, chewing on a pencil or similar behavior becomes a habit associated with deep thought or concentration. This habitual response can trigger a mental state conducive to creative thinking simply because of the strong association between the action and the mental state.

6. Cognitive Load Theory

Mild physical activities like chewing can help manage cognitive load by distributing some mental effort into physical channels. This helps free up cognitive resources for creative tasks, making the mental workload more manageable and allowing your creative juices to flow more freely.

How to Harness This Phenomenon for Your Own Creativity

1. Find Your Comfort Object

Identify an object or activity that you can engage with while working on creative tasks. It could be a pencil, chewing gum, or even a stress ball. The key is to find something that feels natural and doesn’t distract you from your work.

2. Create a Routine

Incorporate this activity into your creative routine. For instance, if you find that chewing gum helps you focus, make it a habit to chew gum during brainstorming sessions or while writing.

3. Be Mindful of Your Environment

Ensure that your environment supports your creative process. A quiet, comfortable space free of major distractions can complement the calming effects of your chosen activity, allowing you to dive deeper into your creative work.

4. Experiment and Adjust

Everyone’s mind works differently, so it’s important to experiment with different activities and see what works best for you. Pay attention to how you feel and how your creativity flows with each activity, and adjust accordingly.

5. Practice Self-Care

Remember that creativity thrives when you’re well-rested and relaxed. Incorporate other self-care practices such as regular breaks, exercise, and proper hydration into your routine to support your overall well-being and creative potential.

Conclusion

The next time you’re struggling to find inspiration, consider picking up a pencil to chew on or engaging in a simple, repetitive activity with your tongue. These small actions can make a big difference in your ability to think creatively and enter a state of flow. By understanding the science behind these behaviors and incorporating them into your routine, you can unlock new levels of creativity and productivity. Happy creating!