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People regularly comment about my creativity in crafting words – but is creativity something that is unique to only a few people? Is creativity something that is inherited or is it a skill that can be enhanced?

There have been many scientific studies in recent years looking at the concept of creativity, and the good news according to New Scientist is that there are many simple techniques people can use to enhance their personal creativity.

You probably have had the experience of being in the shower and a finding that a great idea comes to you. Or you  take a walk in the countryside and you discover a Eureka moment. Well science now backs you up. Scientists studied the brain waves of people given a problem to solve.  The more you let your mind wander and stop focusing on a problem, the more likely it will be that you find unusual connections between issues which in turn trigger an “aha” moment.

If you can get into the mental state of someone who is relaxing with their eyes closed rather than consciously analyzing the problem, then the faster and easier the solution will come to you.  If you are stuck – the old advice of relax, take a deep breath or go for a walk is now scientifically endorsed.

Science has also found that play is effective in triggering creativity. Paintball games, board games and general horseplay frees your mind and encourages the taking of reasonable risks. It allows people to try out new things without penalty and boosts fresh ideas.

That’s why I have put a pile of stuffy accountants and economists through their paces on the skid pans of a race track – teaching them about the concept of controlled risk; and built a mini-golf course through an office using paper cups taped to the floor and umbrella golf clubs for another work team.

Play is often the first thing to go in a business under stress – whereas it needs to be the first thing that is ramped up as creative solutions are the only way to succeed in a down economy.

If you want an instant creativity boost – then just add the colour blue.  Scientists have looked at the impact of colour on creativity. Adding the colour red sharpens memories (perhaps it should be used in police interview rooms) while blue helps unlock the imagination. Add blue in-trays, desk accessories, blue paperclips and blue stress toys to offices for a cheap way to help people come in contact with their creativity (which also helps explain why blue is the main colour for Heart Harmony copywriters).

Finally – many many scientists fought for the tough job of researching if drinking makes you creative. Well there’s some bad news on this front. Drinking doesn’t make you more creative – it just makes you feel as though you are. So perhaps you may want to rethink your next “traditional 80′s style team bonding session” and go for a group walk instead.

What do you do to get creative?

Ingrid Cliff

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Heart Harmony – Freelance writers