Free!
10 Daily Habits to
Reduce Stress and
Boost Innovation
Today more than ever, leaders and their teams are feeling overly stressed, resulting in decreased creativity and innovation when we need it most!
What happens in our brains when we are overly stressed? Yes, we know some stress is good. Short-term stress can sometimes spur creativity by pushing individuals to think quickly, but chronic or intense stress tends to have the opposite effect. It can be toxic to our bodies and paralyze creativity and innovation longterm.
1
Impairment of the Prefrontal Cortex
-
The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain responsible for higher-order functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
-
Under stress, the prefrontal cortex becomes less active, as the brain shifts focus to survival mode. This can reduce the ability to think flexibly, make connections, and generate new ideas—key components of creativity.
2
Activation of the Amygdala
-
The amygdala, which is involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and anxiety, becomes more active during stress.
-
When the amygdala is activated, it can dominate brain activity, leading to a heightened state of alertness and anxiety. This state can suppress creative thought, as the brain prioritizes immediate survival over creative exploration.
-
These emotions can create mental blocks, making it harder to relax and enter a state of flow, which is often associated with peak creative performance.
3
Impact on Dopamine Levels
-
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in motivation, reward, and creativity.
-
Chronic stress can lead to a reduction in dopamine levels, diminishing the brain's ability to feel pleasure and reducing motivation. This decrease can stifle creative drive and the ability to think innovatively.
So, do you want to know how to reduce toxic stress and boost innovation?
Download your free 10 Daily Habits now!
