I've been paying attention to how my brain shifts when I'm in a creative boom, and it’s fascinating. Noticing the patterns—how creativity feels like stepping onto an empty beach, waves lapping gently, easing the nervous system almost instantly. It’s expansive, intuitive, alive with possibility. But getting there? Not always so effortless.
I put together a list that hangs on my studio door—a collection of exercises designed to lure me into that creative space. And the more I practice, the more my right brain shows up on demand. It’s like building a muscle—once it knows it’s needed, it responds.
The Left-Brain Trap
Society glorifies left-brain thinking—logic, productivity, measurable success. We're surrounded by gadgets, screens, and endless notifications, all designed to keep our left brains revving. Creativity? It often feels like an afterthought.
But here’s the thing. Creativity isn’t something you can measure or neatly box into productivity metrics. It thrives in the space beyond deadlines and notifications, where intuition and playfulness are free to breathe.
Why Right-Brain Engagement Matters
Engaging your right brain boosts creativity, emotional resilience, problem-solving, and even joy. When you tap into that side of yourself, you’re activating the default mode network—the part of the brain that connects ideas and sparks real insight. This process lowers cortisol, reduces stress, releases dopamine, and makes everything feel a little more vibrant.
And the best part? You don’t have to paint a masterpiece or write a symphony to tap into it. You just need to play.
My Right Brain Activities List
I put together a list of activities to coax myself into that creative space. Here are a few of my go-to practices:
- Doodling or Zendoodling
- Singing in the car (Stream-of-consciousness singing—primal, intuitive, unfiltered)
- Freeform dancing
- Journaling without an agenda
- Coloring (Mandalas welcome)
- Meditation or daydreaming
- Blind Contour Drawing or Non-Look Portraits
- Left-Handed Writing or Art
- Inverted Drawing (Drawing from upside-down references)
- Word Play - Writing backward, upside down, or in unusual ways
Make Your Own List
Creativity is meant to be shared. To spread. To be experienced, not measured. Make your own list of right-brain practices and see where it leads you. It might just change everything.
If you’re curious about any of these practices or want me to elaborate, just ask. Creativity is meant to be explored, enjoyed, and continuously reinvented.
I'd love to hear about your own creative practices. What gets your right brain fired up?
— Christina Deubel