Creativity and Your Brain

Over Coffee® | Stories and Resources from the Intersection of Art and Science | Exploring How to Make STEAM Work For You

This podcast and post are for informational purposes, and are not intended as medical advice. Please contact your medical professional with any clinical questions. (Photograph courtesy of Jason Voinov, and used with permission.) Your brain and your creativity are static, right? What you were born with, is the best you'll ever have. Not true, says cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Julie Fratantoni. As Head of Operations for The BrainHealth Project, Dr. Fratantoni leads a team of researchers at the Center for BrainHealth at the University of Texas, Dallas in a groundbreaking study. Her research focuses on ways to train the brain to work more efficiently and last longer. In the process, she's giving everyone a closer look at facts versus myths, when it comes to the ways our brains work. And the Center for BrainHealth's website says that our brains are "dynamic, adaptable and flexible". Their objectives: to unlock the brain's potential, fortify against decline and even repair brain health. Over ten years, The BrainHealth Project teaches participants strategies to optimize their brain's performance. Training is customized to each individual's circumstances. People can opt out at any time, and participation is free. Currently, The BrainHealth Project is seeking additional participants. They're recruiting both adults and youth, ages 8-17. And participation is fully virtual. In addition to The BrainHealth Project, the Center for BrainHealth offers a number of other resources. Their "Sips & Science Speaker Series" offers monthly presentations on brain science innovations. They also offer apps and virtual training. Their core concept: optimizing our brains' performances and improving brain health is well within reach, for everyone. And that would include improving our ability to come up with creative ideas. Dr. Fratantoni discussed what brain optimization can mean in terms of boosting creativity, debunked a common myth about the way our brains operate and offered a closer look at The BrainHealth Project. On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover: How Dr. Fratantoni first discovered her perception for high-performance brain science; Some of the common misconceptions about the brain and creativity; What's happening in our brains during an "aha" moment; Why "Oh, I'm just not creative" is a myth; A recommendation of a great book about creativity Dr. Fratantoni's own experiences as a scientist whose work enhances her creativity; A closer look at The BrainHealth Project; What's involved, for anyone who'd like to get involved in The BrainHealth Project; An example of one strategy a participant might be taught; One common practice in which many of us engage, that's actually toxic for our brains; How to promote creativity amid stressful situations; A preview of the August 19th "Sips and Science" speaker, Dr. David Eagleman (this is a free presentation!) How the use of technology might boost creativity, as opposed to draining it; What Dr. Fratantoni finds produces her best creative ideas; And, a preview of her brand-new podcast, Better Brain! Her personal favorite parts of her work with The BrainHealth Project. A closer look at the protocols of the research study. Like to hear some fascinating presentations on brain science? Here's a link to the Center for BrainHealth's "Sips & Science" free speaker series!