Study Unveils How the Brain Enters Creative Flow State

Drexel University's research highlights the role of expertise and letting go in achieving 'in the zone' creativity.

A recent study by Drexel University's Creativity Research Lab reveals the brain's path to achieving a creative flow state, emphasizing the importance of expertise and the release of control.
The research, led by John Kounios, PhD, and David Rosen, PhD, utilized high-density electroencephalograms (EEGs) from 32 jazz guitar players to analyze flow-related brain activity.
Findings suggest that a high-flow state is associated with increased activity in left-hemisphere auditory and touch areas, and decreased activity in the brain's executive control regions.
The study supports the 'expertise-plus-release' view of creative flow, indicating that flow can be achieved by training to release control when sufficient expertise is acquired.
The implications of this research extend beyond musicians, offering insights into how individuals in various fields can achieve a state of creative flow.