"Research from Johns Hopkins University's International Arts + Mind Lab, detailed in the 2023 bestseller Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross, shows that engaging in art reduces the stress hormone cortisol, no matter your skill level, with some benefits appearing in as little as 20 minutes. A 2025 study of nearly 2,500 people across five countries found that creativity can be reliably predicted by how often the brain switches between its default mode network (active during mind-wandering)"
"I've found that weaving micro-creativity practices into my days has increased my daily joy, aliveness, and overall wellbeing. At work, these creative breaks help me shake off the energy from difficult meetings, discover fresh perspectives when I'm stuck on problems, and connect more meaningfully with teammates who join me in these playful moments. Here are a few practices I love that you can use now to sneak a little play into your workday."
Modern work routines prioritize continuous productivity, producing widespread burnout despite efficiency-focused processes. Engaging in art and brief creative activities reduces cortisol and can yield benefits in as little as twenty minutes. Creativity correlates with how often the brain shifts between the default mode network and the executive control network, enabling novel neural connections. Incorporating micro-creativity practices into daily schedules increases joy, aliveness, and overall wellbeing. These short, playful interludes help release lingering meeting energy, generate fresh perspectives on problems, and strengthen meaningful connections with teammates who participate.
Read at Fast Company
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