How to optimise your creativity in the age of AI

The role of human creativity in the age of artificial intelligence is currently subject of many discussions. The author and futurist James Bridle even asks in his essay about the advancements of technology: Is Creativity over? Machines are very good at large-scale data analysis, but so far cannot replace human creativity, intuition and contextual understanding.

Creativity is a profoundly human trait and matters more than ever. To be alive, is to be creative. Generative AI provides amazing tools and pushes creatives to step up their game. To drive and control the co-creation-process with AI, humans need to be their best creative selves. 

How can creative performance be improved? We are embodied beings and according to the latest findings in neuroscience deep embodiment is probably one of the most potent triggers of creative flow. Until recently the field of psychology has viewed creativity as a cognitive process centered on generating new ideas. The body was viewed as passive responder rather than an active generator of new ideas.  Over the past few decades, embodiment theory has had a significant impact on creativity research. This theory studies the role of the body in the creative process. The embodied approach recognizes the interconnectedness of the brain and body and how they form part of a larger cognitive system. According to this groundbreaking research creativity is a state of mind, however it’s not just about the mind; it starts in the body. Embodiment theory is based on the observation that certain emotions have physical sensation associated with them, such as tightness in the chest when we feel anxious. Embodiment involves connecting to our bodies in a way that allows us to feel grounded, centered and fully engaged in the present moment – which is a trigger for creative flow. The body is in many ways like an instrument. Learning to listen to its messages and trusting its intelligence— this is where the best works originate. In the documentary film about his famous song “Hallelujah” and his life, Leonard Cohen also spoke about the creation-process. While writing the lyrics, he moved every line repeatedly through his mouth. Then he chose different words, felt them in his mouth and the resonance in his body. He finally chose words that made his body “hum” in a certain way. 

Multiple studies have provided evidence for a correlation between physical activities and creativity. Engaging in outdoor activities, like walking, leads to a significant increase in creative thinking. Expansive and open postures, such as standing with arms outstretched, increase the likelihood of producing original and imaginative ideas. Moving in different ways than usual and giving ourselves new sensorial inputs while exploring solutions for a problem, is also helpful. When psychoanalyst Carl Jung faced a problem, he carved stone and wood or modelled clay. By moving his hands, he gained new insights that were not previously available. “Often the hands know how to solve a riddle with which the intellect has wrestled in vain”, he was convinced.

While shifting to body intelligence can be as simple as moving the hands or standing up, the connection can also easily get lost. Typical work activities, like running from one meeting to next or sitting in front of screen all day, often keep us trapped in the mind and away from the body. 

The body is not a mere vessel for the psyche: it’s a collaborator, a co-creator.

Sharon Blackie

It can therefore be helpful to develop routines which enhance a mind-body connection and creative flow. In flow states the brain waves move from an active beta frequency range to a more relaxed alpha or even theta range. The stress hormones norepinephrine and cortisol are significantly reduced, while a cascade of other neurotransmitters is released, consisting of dopamine, endorphins, anandamide, serotonin and oxytocin. This potent endogenous drug cocktail is released by the body in this combination only during flow states, resulting in feelings of joy and aliveness. These states are especially conducive to creative insights, innovative solutions or unique perspectives. The author and flow-researcher Steven Kotler claims that every idea he has had for a book, has come out of flow state and every award-winning article of his, was written in a flow state.

 Conducive routines are:

1. Meditation: mindfulness and meditation can cultivate a calm and focused state. The switch in our brains to flow is only flipped when we are fully absorbed in the present moment. The practice of meditation and mindfulness helps with being in the now more often.
2. Movement:  it’s essential to keep the body in motion regularly, ideally daily. For instance, walks in nature of minimum 40 minutes can lead to states of flow, where new ideas can be conceived. It’s important to walk without music, podcasts or other distractions and to tune into the senses. The mind is not only in the brain, but also embodied through the senses.

The movement method Messwork was especially developed for artists and creatives by the designer and somatic psychology practioner Cristina Gabriele, who teaches at the Pratt Institute in New York. “Many creatives feel stuck or stagnant and unable to progress in their lives or creatively”, she says. “Movement provides them with the needed current to surf and explore.” As an entry point, she recommends activating the pelvis with pelvic tilts to process tension and stress held in this area. Beginners should do these powerful exercises with the guidance of a somatic practioner, because they can stir up intense emotions.

• Flow Activities: identify activities that naturally evoke a sense of joy, passion and pleasure for you. These activities can be anything from painting, playing a musical instrument, dancing, writing, gardening or sports. Experiment with different activities and cultivate a regular practice in those that effortlessly make you lose track of time. These are often the realms where flow states are more easily attained. 
• Pause: take breaks throughout the day to check in with yourself and notice any physical sensations or tension. Adjust your posture or movements accordingly. 

• Sleep: being well-rested helps with creativity. As the saying goes, “When you’re tired, you’re uninspired.”

• Relaxation: stress is the enemy of creativity. Chronic stress impairs cognitive function and creativity by triggering the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can hinder neural connections in the prefrontal cortex responsible for higher-order thinking. Gerhard Moser is an expert for stress-management and resilience. He recommends daily practice of self-regulation techniques such as meditation, yoga, breathwork, progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery. These practices can increase relaxation, focus and emotional balance and create an optimal internal environment for creativity to flourish. 

Regarding co-creation with technology the relationship is currently kind of disembodied. Sitting in front of screens all day brings us too far away from the body to be able to reach physical and mental states connected to (creative) peak performance. Augmented reality might change that and involve the whole body more. For the human-machine relationship to truly flourish we need to design work systems that nurture the creativity of everyone involved. Wellbeing is paramount. The journey of co-creation with AI has just begun and might develop in directions that we currently can’t even imagine. Inner and outer worlds might change drastically, but creativity will most likely remain a full-body experience – at least for humans. 

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