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That 'Aha' Moment

Monday 2nd February 2009 | No comments

We've all had those moments when it all falls into place, when the elegant solution just appears, when the spaghetti in your brain unravels to reveal the way forward. But what are 'aha' moments (and how can you have more of them)?

Several scientific studies now have shown that brain activity is different while someone is solving a problem requiring creative insight than when doing linear problem solving.

Both during the 'aha' moment and before it, EEGs (electroencephalograms) show a sudden burst of high energy brain waves in the right temporal lobe, as well as other right brain changes which block excess stimuli so you can focus all your brain energy on the problem. Among other things, this confirms that the right brain is critical for creative insight.

So what does all this technospeak mean for your creativity?

As the right brain is not a linear processor, but works in more pattern-seeking and lateral ways, working longer and harder doesn't always mean insight will come (but you knew that already, yeah?). So next time you're tearing your hair out trying to see your way through a difficult problem, try one of these things:

1. Get out of your head and do something with your body. Go for a walk, dance, clean out a cupboard or do the gardening. Even if you don't exercise, at least think about something quite different - phone a friend for a chat, spend time on a quite different work task, make a cake or play with your children. This gives the right brain a rest and a chance to roam free, doing what it does best, without pushing from you.
2. Have a nap, run a bath (subject to water restrictions of course), take granny's advice and just 'sleep on it'. It's amazing how often the solution to last night's overwhelming dilemma just pops into your head early next morning. Keep a pad and pen by the bed so you don't miss anything!
3. Slow down, relax, have some fun. This is of course generally a good idea, but it also stimulates the brain in helpful ways and allows new possibilities to become apparent.

Happy snoozing!

Tags: ideas, thinking, creativity, tips

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