EXERCISE AND CREATIVITY

At the most basic level, exercise increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, promoting the growth of new brain cells and improving overall brain function. This biological boost can lead to sharper thinking and better memory, but it also has a profound effect on creative thought. Studies have shown that moderate aerobic exercise—such as walking, jogging, or cycling—can increase divergent thinking and allows you to generate multiple solutions to a problem. This contrasts with convergent thinking, which seeks a single correct answer, divergent thinking is the heart of creativity.

Smart Exercise, Emotional HealthJohn HolleyAugust 13, 2025exercise, creativity, aerobic exercise

SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW CARDIO

Aerobic exercise involves the use of large muscles groups moving for long periods of time (but not as long as you think). Running, walking, swimming and biking are all aerobic activities, which increase the heart rate and the body’s usage of oxygen. This is important because the body uses oxygen in the energy-generating process (read: calorie burning).

Smart ExerciseJohn HolleyMay 25, 2022cardio, weight loss, aerobic exercise, fitness, anaerobic exercise