Physical and Mental Health
Relaxation and good health are important to mental and physical health -
essential pre-requisites to creative thinking. I like to go jogging, where
I have had the greatest abundance of ideas. During jogging, I have
visualised computer programs, story ideas and solutions to different
problems. I attribute the value of jogging and other forms
of exercise such as walking, cycling, and swimming to the following:
- Exercise is a form of play, free from restraints.
- Increased oxygen in the blood is delivered to the brain
- Release of endorphins into the blood (the runner's high)
- Meditative rhythm of the running/walking/swimming strokes
There are drugs which purport to increase the brain's ability and
performance, but I have seen no evidence to prove this. Psychedelic drugs,
I am told, produce vivid imagery which the user is never able to capture.
Hunter S. Thompson, in his recent book "The Songs of Doomed" writes in the
preface about his drug habit and what it does to his writing, but I don't
believe drugs can increase creativity. Instead, the body and mind should be
operating at peak efficiency through correct diet, exercise, rest and fresh
air.
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Last updated: 4th August 1999