How Does Movement Support Creativity?
- Anne Mitchell
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 16
Introduction
I have always known from personal experience that movement – especially dance – supports my creativity. Curious about the science behind this, I explored the research, and the findings are compelling. When I was in graduate school at SUNY Buffalo State, I came across intriguing studies indicating a link between movement and creativity. A recent conversation with a friend prompted me to delve deeper into more recent research, and I was excited to find even more evidence supporting this connection. But what exactly does the research indicate, and how can you use movement to maximize your own creativity?
Key Findings
Movement, especially walking, is strongly linked to enhanced creativity. Studies show that creative output increases by an average of 60% when people move compared to when they remain stationary (according to a Stanford study).
Here's a closer look at the connection:
Movement also Boosts Problem-Solving: Research indicates that even simple movement can significantly boost problem-solving abilities.
Movement Doesn’t Have to be Big: Small movements done while sitting appear to support creativity.
Fluid Movement and Creativity: A 2012 study on “Fluid Movement and Creativity” indicates the fluid movement (tracing a drawing the results in fluid arm movements) enhances “creative generation, cognitive flexibility, and the ability to make remote connections”.
Different Movements Impact Thinking: Dr. Peter Lovatt, a dance psychologist, explains that different types of movement enhance different types of thinking. For instance, movement improvisation supports idea generation (divergent thinking), while structured dance movements support selecting and refining ideas (convergent thinking).
What This Means for Your Creativity
Understanding how to enhance your creativity and problem-solving skills is crucial. Adding movement to your creativity toolbox provides a simple and effective way to spark creativity.
Take a walk when you hit a creative block. A walk can happen anywhere – in your office, at home, or outside.
Do structured movement before you select and refine ideas. If you are in a phase where you need to focus to developing your idea or art, try practicing a short movement routine. For an example:
Step right, step your left foot next to your right, and step right (step together step).
Step left, step your right foot next to your left, and step left.
Repeat several times and feel free to add arms (including fluid circular movements), knee bends, or a hip swing.
Use free movement to generate ideas. Before you begin brainstorming or want to encourage wild, creative ideas, put on your favorite song and move freely – don’t worry about steps or what you might look like, just move!
If you interested in learning more, here are links to articles and research on movement and creativity that I have mentioned in this blog:
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What’s Your Take?
Have you ever noticed movement influencing your creativity? Share your experiences in the comments below or connect with us on LinkedIn.
I spent many of my working years in food service I believe I just needed to be in a job where I COULD MOVE! I always admire Matisse in his later years where to continue to move and create art , he used a big scissors to cut shapes. Or watch Roy Lichtenstein stand back from his canvas;watch him move around then place a painted piece on his large canvas. We need to move to create those other possibilities and considerations. We didn’t say how big a movement needed to be to CREATE!