rd.com 119The Genius Sectionthe “idea of responding to something
that we didn’t anticipate happening
is a fundamental attribute of what
it means to be human. Humans are
hardwired to create.” The creative
brain state that Limb has documented
in musicians, comedians, and artists is
similar to that of athletes “in the zone”
who turn off the self-monitoring part
of their brains and use their instincts
about which shots to take. This mind-
set is also what we employ in daily life
to deal with unexpected occurrences.
Faced with a delayed train, for in-
stance, we might decide to walk or take
the bus. Or, realizing that we’re out of
lemons while cooking, we might sub-
stitute a lime—or something else.
“Everyone is creative; it’s just a
matter of degree,” says Jung. “We
have this prototypical idea of artistic
creativity, but we are creative in our
relationships, our work, our cooking,
or even arranging our homes in a dif-
ferent way.”
To train your brain to think cre-
atively, then, look for ways to im-
provise in your daily life. Improv
comedian Anthony Veneziale prac-
tices this with his daughter by giving
her a “yes” day. For one day, as long as
she doesn’t hurt anyone, they will do
anything she wants: Have ice cream
for breakfast. Go swimming. Visit a lo-
cal park. This sort of exercise is just as
important to your health as the physi-
cal kind. Limb notes that “the creative
brain is a generally more activated
brain than a noncreative one”—and
an activated brain is generally better
able to ward off forgetfulness, absent-
mindedness, and even dementia.
cnn.com (april 29, 2018), copyright © 2018
by cable news network.Six-Word Challenge: What Would You Grab in a Fire?
Burial flag from my grandfather’s casket.
shannon busitzky, anoka, minnesotaMy triplets and their cell phones.
annette hanley, boston, massachusettsI would grab my family’s hands.
elyse klemchuk, lagrange, illinoisMy glasses, two sons, two blankets.
april edmonds-lucas, lock haven, pennsylvaniaMy beloved box of oily rags.
george raymond, los angeles, california
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