A 2012 study by Adobe revealed that only one in four people live up to their creative potential. Their research also showed that eight out of 10 people feel that unlocking their creativity is critical to their economic growth — which makes sense because a company’s ability to innovate, fueled by creativity, is critical to its long-term success.
But aside from the business and economic reasons for being creative, there are many benefits to being creative personally. Being creative allows you to express yourself, promotes problem-solving, improves your ability to focus and can reduce your stress level. It also can lead to feelings of accomplishment, give you a renewed sense of purpose and encourage you to be a lifelong learner.
As someone who understands the benefits of CBD and CBD gummies, you might have wondered if there is a link between CBD and creativity, especially if you’ve found yourself in a mental slump when attempting to solve a problem, write a speech or story or come up with a new idea, and so on.
First, it’s important to note that while there are limited scientific studies on CBD, there are even fewer on CBD’s impact on creativity. You’ll have to judge for yourself if CBD and CBD gummies could have a positive effect on your creative juices.
Flow State
The “flow state” has been described as an optimal state of consciousness where we feel and perform our best. When you’re in the flow state, your concentration and focus are intensified. You have a clear vision of what you want to achieve. You feel “in the groove” and your creativity is heightened.
When you are in a flow state, one of the chemicals your body releases is anandamide (the other four are norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin and endorphins). Anandamide has also been shown to “amplify lateral thinking.” (Lateral thinking means solving problems through a creative approach that is not immediately obvious.)
Anandamide, also known as “the bliss molecule,” was the first endocannabinoid to be discovered. Our body’s version of THC, anandamide binds to the same receptors that THC acts on in our body’s endocannabinoid system. That said, it does not get you high in the same way THC does but instead stimulates a sense of happiness and mental well-being. Research has shown that CBD boosts the body’s level of anandamide.
So, it follows that if CBD plays a role in increasing your anandamide level — which helps put you in a flow state — that CBD may help you think more creatively.
Dopamine
Dopamine is another one of our body’s feel-good chemicals. It plays a key role in how happy we feel. It helps us think, focus and plan. It’s often referred to as the “reward chemical” because it plays a role in our body’s pleasure/reward system.
When gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, attaches to a protein in your brain, it produces a calming effect, which can help reduce stress.
Studies have shown that CBD helps replenish the dopamine level in your brain by suppressing the neurons that inhibit its production.
Serotonin
Serotonin (located in the brain) is thought to play a role in regulating mood. Stanford University’s Baba Shiv, who has done extensive work related to emotion and motivation shaping decisions and experiences, believes that serotonin levels are tied to creativity.
According to psychologist Robert Epstein, PhD., stress “is a well-known creativity killer.” In fact, according to the American Institute of Stress, 77% of Americans experience stress that affects their physical health; 73 percent of Americans have stress that affects their mental health; and 33 percent of people report a feeling of extreme stress. That’s a lot of creativity being stifled.
Although there’s not enough research to say definitively that CBD will relieve stress and make you feel calm and relaxed, here’s what we do know: Studies have shown that, while CBD doesn’t necessarily boost the body’s serotonin level, it has a positive impact on how your brain responds to the serotonin in your body.
Your Brain’s Frontal Lobes
The frontal lobes of your brain are involved with problem-solving, spontaneity and judgment — three key elements of creativity.
A 2007 study published on the National Library of Medicine website found that cerebral blood flow is associated with creative performance. Increased blood to the brain also enhances your divergent thinking skills. Divergent thinking is a spontaneous, free-flowing, non-linear way to generate creative ideas. Its focus is on coming up with an innovative way to solve complex problems.
A More Restful Sleep
No one should be surprised by the many studies that show lack of sleep impairs creativity. A well-rested person will generally make better decisions and think more clearly than someone who is sleep-deprived. CBD has been gaining a reputation for providing its users with healthy, restful sleep.
If you’re considering testing out CBD to discover for yourself if it will help you come up with your next brilliant idea, Zebra CBD Gummies and CBN gummies aregood options. Besides potentially helping you be more creative, they also help you manage the stresses of daily life; remain focused, energized and active; ease exercise-induced inflammation and discomfort; support and maintain healthy sleep cycles; and boost overall health and wellness. Plus, they are delicious, coming in your choice of three natural, citrus-inspired flavors.
American poet Maya Angelou once said, "You can't use up creativity. The more you use the more you have." How true! Creativity has a snowballing effect. And whether it’s through your career or a hobby, exercising your creativity will bring more joy and happiness into your life.
Sources:
Creativity at Work
https://creativityatwork.com/2012/04/23/the-global-creativity-gap/
The Brain Science Behind Flow States
https://snowbrains.com/the-brain-science-behind-flow-states/
Baba Shiv: How Do You Find Breakthrough Ideas? The science of creativity
https://gsb.stanford.edu/insights/baba-shiv-how-do-you-find-breakthrough-ideas
Cerebral blood flow associated with creative performance: a comparative study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17884587/
