Inventors, artists, writers and other creators depend on inspiration, and the muse is not always favorable to them. But a recent study from Stanford University found that walking boosts creativity and intuition many times over. At this time, the brain is running at a frequency that causes a surge of inspiration and generates new ideas.
In 1889, the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche wrote: “All truly great thoughts are born while walking.” He was not alone in his opinion. Even Silicon Valley tech gods like Steve Jobs recognized that a walk can spark creativity and solve intractable problems. Einstein also assured that he always finds new ideas and insights, walking among nature.
A Stanford University study provides scientific evidence that a simple walk can spark a burst of creative energy.
Creative thinking is the process of generating disparate pieces of information that move freely in the depths of the brain, and then form new stable connections and become accessible due to special brain impulses. This state occurs when we admire nature: we simply walk without a specific goal.
The brain is arranged as an electromagnetic device. When the neurons “fire” in a certain order, oscillations are created that move like the waves of the sea.
They have different frequencies. For example, the beta rhythm sets up critical and analytical thinking, works great for digital calculations or when crossing the street, when you need to be extremely careful.
However, creating in a beta rhythm will not work. As a rule, creative thinking is activated by alpha waves and strengthened by theta and delta waves. Most people switch between the five rhythms throughout their lives.
Beta (14-40Hz)
Associated with critical thinking, reasoning and logic. At this frequency, the incredulous inner skeptic wakes up, which questions everything in the world.
This rhythm is necessary for solving specific problems, but hardly anyone wants to keep it constantly. An excess of beta waves turns off creativity, can cause anxiety, makes you avoid any risks, preventing you from controlling circumstances.
Alpha (7,5-14Hz)
The brain is tuned to this wave when we meditate or plunge into pleasant dreams. In other words, when we are relaxed, but remain conscious. Stress levels are reduced, stiffness and excitement are gone. At the alpha frequency, susceptibility is aggravated, so it is especially productive for working on oneself.
Theta (4-7,5 Hz)
This is absolute rest, on the verge of a hypnotic trance, when the muscles are completely relaxed, and the mind enters an altered state. As a rule, theta waves appear during REM sleep, they also cause insight, creative inspiration, spiritual insight and a sense of harmony.
The border frequency between alpha and theta (about 7,5 Hz) is ideal for creative visualization and image memory. The most interesting thing is that alpha-theta activity occurs during a walk in nature.
Delta (0,5-4Hz)
Recovery processes intensify in this rhythm. This usually happens in a dream. While meditating, you can also tune into delta waves, but they are most often formed during the stage of deep sleep. Both methods are useful if you sleep a sufficiently large amount of time and continuously or every day immerse yourself in such a meditative state.
Gamma (40 Hz and above)
Relatively recently, scientists have discovered that superpowers for the assimilation of information and insight open up in this rhythm.
While the Stanford report does not go into great detail about brain rhythms, it confirms what has been known to mystics, yogis, and saints for centuries. The alpha frequency, which some call daydreaming and others call calm consciousness, awakens creativity and intuition.
The study showed a different result: the creativity of people who regularly went out for a walk increased by 60%. Can you imagine how the creative gift will develop if you add the beneficial influence of nature to the walk?
Source: themindunleashed.com