The Link Between Mental Load and Creativity

Would you believe that being idle could make you more interesting? A recent study suggests that mental clutter stifles creativity while unburdening your mind encourages originality.

Researchers at an Israeli university looked at what happens when your mind is occupied with stray thoughts and nagging concerns. Subjects who were tasked with remembering 7 digits responded slowly and gave boring conventional answers on a free association test. On the other hand, subjects assigned only 2 digits were quick to come up with innovative replies.

Learn how to liberate yourself from mental overload. Explore these tips for meditation and other intuitive experiences.

Reducing Mental Load Through Meditation

1. Face yourself: Some unconscious thoughts can be disturbing. Remember that bringing them to the surface is the first step in healing. Once you spot your baggage, you can develop more constructive habits.

2. Scan your body: Your body is an excellent guide to how to find your flow. Notice what conditions help you to lower your shoulders and unclench your jaw.

3. Focus on your breath: Simple breathwork helps beginners and advanced practitioners to become more mindful. Notice the air as it enters your nostrils and travels through your body. Spend as much time exhaling as inhaling. 4. Develop clarity.Picture your mind as a pool of water. As the ripples settle, you can see under the surface. What’s going on when you put aside housework and utility bills? Connect with your aspirations and dreams. 5. Count your blessings. Engage with the present moment by noticing what you’re grateful for. Celebrate the taste of morning coffee and the sound of your children laughing. 6. Practice daily. Work your way up gradually and consistently. Even a few minutes of stillness can be beneficial.

Reducing Mental Load Through Other Activities

1. Write things down. Put your to-do list onto paper so you can forget about it without worrying that you’ll miss your next dental appointment. Electronic versions are also fine if that’s more convenient. This might seem obvious but if you're anything like me, there might be times you assume you'll remember little things.

2. Play games. Do you lose track of time when you’re planning your next move in Words with Friends? Taking a break from work can help you to return more refreshed. Be sure to set a time so you don't lose track of time.

3. Move around. Clear your mind with an afternoon run or visit the gym. Physical exercise also burns calories and releases stress and also can contribute to some awesome combinatory play. Watch out, Einstein! ;)

4. Use your hands. Repetitive movements can trigger breakthrough ideas as you tap into your unconscious. Knit a scarf or play the piano. Chop vegetables for dinner or paint an accent wall in your bedroom. One time I even started making shadow puppets when I was laying down. Finding creativity in the smallest movements with my hands gave my mind a mental break.

5. Slow down. If running too many programs at a time makes your computer less effective, think what excess multitasking does to your brain. Try to immerse yourself in a single task while you remember your purpose.

6. Appreciate nature. Nature is a powerful antidote to cognitive overload. Spend a moment enjoying bird songs and cool breezes.

7. Take a nap. If you can fall asleep easily during the day without disrupting the quality of your nightly slumbers, napping could be for you. Studies show that brief sleep enhances memory formation. According to some research, people who nap also tend to live longer.

8. Turn off your phone. Some distractions are beyond your control, but you can opt-out of being available around the clock for non-emergencies. Disconnect your devices for an hour each day. Give yourself quiet time to stimulate your creativity and think on a deeper level. 

If pushing yourself to succeed is tiring you out, try giving your mind a rest. Allow your mind to become clear so your creativity and productivity can soar.
Check out the episode I did on Combinatory play for some more ideas of how to let your mind rest while also coming up with new brilliant ideas. Hint** Einstein used to do it.