What I’ve learned about where I find creative inspiration when I move my body!

Regular movement can not only tone and strengthen your body but your mind too!

Blowing away the cobwebs

It’s a phrase we’ve all heard a million times, but have you ever truly considered what it means?

Have you noticed that some of your best ideas don't come when you're hunched over your desk, staring blankly at your computer screen, but rather when you're out for a walk, breathing in fresh air and taking in the world around you?

When your brain is not actively engaged, instead gently focused on the rhythm of your steps, or the meditation around counting your breaths as you swim, this is when your brain can really get into a creative groove!

Movement, it turns out, is a fantastic catalyst for inspiration and problem-solving.

The Science Behind getting your ‘move’ on

First off, there's some solid science behind this. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering more oxygen and nutrients, which helps your brain work better. When you’re walking, swimming, or engaged in any form of movement, your brain releases endorphins, those magical chemicals that make you feel good. This feel-good sensation can reduce stress, clear mental fog, and open up new pathways for creative thinking.

“Our biological baseline is to be on our feet, moving and thinking at the same time . . when we get on our feet and move, it primes the brain to be alert and to learn”

— Caroline Williams, Move: The New Science of Body Over Mind

Walk It Out to Work It Out

Consider the humble walk. Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, was famous for his walking meetings. And he was onto something. Walking has been shown to boost creative output by up to 60%. There's something about the rhythmic pace and the changing scenery that helps to shake loose the cobwebs and gets your creative juices flowing.

There are times when I’m working on a tricky piece of copy, and no matter how hard I stare at the screen, the perfect words just won’t come. This is when I’ll grab the dog’s lead and head out for a walk. And whilst not fool-proof, (it doesn’t work every time) it can feel like flicking a switch in my brain. The fresh air, open spaces, and the rhythmic movement of walking will allow new ideas and inspiration to flow. Before I know it that elusive headline or catchy tagline pops into my head, almost as if by magic.

Splashing Into Creativity

Then there’s the repetitive nature of swimming, combined with the soothing effects of water, that can create a meditative state where your mind can wander freely. It's in this state that your brain can make connections and come up with ideas that might never surface during a brainstorming session in a stuffy conference room.

Imagine doing laps in the pool, the world reduced to the sound of your own breathing and the splash of water. Without the distractions of daily life, your mind is free to explore new concepts and ideas, leading to those "Aha!" moments that make all the difference in your work.

Dance Like No One's Watching

I bet you hadn’t considered dancing to spark inspiration. Yes, dancing! Few things are as joyous and liberating as moving your body to the beat of your favourite tunes. Dancing not only gets your blood pumping but also taps into a primal sense of joy and freedom. This release of pent-up energy and emotion can be incredibly freeing, allowing your mind to think outside the box and come up with unique ideas.

So, the next time you hit a creative wall, why not put on your favourite song and dance around the room? It might feel silly at first, but you'll be surprised at how quickly your mood lifts and your mind opens up to new possibilities.

Movement and Connection

So you see, it's not just about the physical benefits. Movement often involves connecting with others, whether it’s through a friendly chat during a walk, a swim class, or a spontaneous dance party with friends. These connections can provide fresh perspectives, new ideas, and a sense of camaraderie that fuels creativity.

Humour, too, often finds its way into these activities, creating a positive feedback loop of laughter, movement, and creative inspiration. After all, some of the best ideas come when we're relaxed and having fun!

Incorporating movement into your daily routine can be a game-changer for your creativity. Whether it's walking, swimming, dancing, or any other form of physical activity, the key is to find what makes you feel good and keeps you moving.

The next time you're feeling stuck, remember that the answer might not be on your computer screen but out there in the world, just waiting for you to take a step, a stroke, or a twirl.

I highly recommend the book pictured above by Caroline Williams, Move: The New Science of Body Over Mind