Tap Into Your Naturalistic Intelligence

Have you ever been stuck for new ideas as you sit at your desk? The familiarity of your office or cubicle might stifle creative thinking. How so? The basal ganglia, the part of the brain that stores routines and patterns based on daily activities, is not the only well-spring of creativity.

Even though your imagination can take flight as you sit at that desk, unfortunately familiarity can slow you down. What can you do then when you're at your desk and no new ideas come your way? Here's a suggestion - tap into your naturalistic intelligence...

Get outside... even during your lunch hour. The natural world can help spark new insights. Here're a few ways it can benefit you...

1. Fresh air... provides more oxygen to the brain so it functions well. The brain uses 21% of the body's oxygen.

2. Animals, birds, plants and scenery may stir new ideas about projects. The natural world can stimulate you to think differently. These might take the form of metaphors to represent ideas in a new way.

3. Working memory kicks in to "play with" new thoughts and ideas that take life in your mind. The working memory is that part of the brain that works hard to solve challenges and puzzles.

4. The mind relaxes in an environment with less stress. Stress actually shuts down the brain's capacity to reason and problem-solve. Just going outside can bring a shot of Serotonin, a chemical which brings calm and well being to the brain.

5. Movement... stimulates blood flow to the brain, which enhances the oxygen supply.

Next time you feel stale, bored or stuck for ideas while you're sitting at your desk, I suggest you move outside...Maybe your lunch hour is just the time for this. Ready to give it a whirl? Please come back and share what it does for you...