Creativity is the tendency to come up with ideas to solve problems with relevance and novelty. Creativity can also be defined as the ability to transform ideas, dreams, and imagination into reality. It is characterized by the ability to identify hidden patterns, make connections between things that are usually not related, and come up with innovative and unique ideas.
We are all born with an immense amount of creativity, and the best example of this is children. Children often have the most innovative and creative ideas. However, as we grow up, we outgrow creativity.
According to George Land's study in 1968, creativity in 5-year-olds was found to be 98%, and it reduced to 30% by the time they reached age 10. It reduced further to 12% in 15-years-olds, and adults in the study showed just 2% creativity.
When we are creative, certain logic centers in our brain are switched off, and the parts of our brain that are not used regularly are switched on. The medial prefrontal cortex of the brain gets activated during a creative process while the activity of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex gets lowered.
Creativity shapes personality, behavior, mindset, outlook about life and people, confidence, and lots of other aspects of one's life.
Here are some reasons why creativity is important in our lives:
- Creativity helps free the mind and help you absorb more knowledge
- It engages the mind and enables alternative ways of thinking
- It enables one to connect with themselves and develop empathy
- It makes one confident
- Instills curiosity and inquisitiveness
- Encourages different learning styles and helps open your mind
Creativity does a world of good and becomes a way of life for those who have this personality trait. This trait also influences other personality traits of an individual, such as:
Creativity makes one a fast-thinker and breeds empathy– both of which are essential for a good leader. It shapes individuals into successful leaders who are able to come up with innovative ideas and redefine business solutions. Creative leaders are open-minded and inventive in their ways. Along with these characteristics, creative leaders also hear their peers and steer their teams ahead.
Creativity encourages people to work without boundaries, tackle problems efficiently and quickly, shifts the fear of failure, and makes them passionate about the work they do. All these work together to improve productivity. For this reason, people who are creative are also extremely productive individuals.
Divergent or lateral thinking that stems from creativity helps creative people come up with novel ideas and solutions. Creative thinkers are able to sift through information, understand the root of the problem they are solving, and weigh the options available to them to take the right decision.
Being creative is often seen as a natural 'talent.' While it is not exactly a misconception, it is solely not the only base of creativity.
Studies have shown that about 22% of genetic variants contribute to creativity.
Of the several genes involved, the widely studied ones are NGR1 and COMT.
Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) gene is located on chromosome 8. There are several different isoforms of this gene - this means that the NRG1 gene produces proteins that are functionally similar but structurally different. The main function of this gene is to induce the growth and differentiation of brain cells. Studies show a clear link between the NRG1 gene and creativity.
rs6994992
rs6994992 is a single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP in the NRG1 gene. This SNP has been associated with creativity as well as the development of psychological disorders like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Individuals with the TT genotype of rs6994992 are said to have higher creativity and critical thinking scores than those having the more common CC or CT type.
The catechol-O-methyltransferase gene, also called COMT, is located on the small chromosome 22. The role of the COMT enzyme in the brain is to break down neurotransmitters, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. They ensure the balance of these chemical messengers. By doing so, they influence the transfer of information from one neuron to the next.
rs4680
rs4680 is an SNP in the COMT gene. Those with the A type of rs4680 have more dopamine in their brain. Increased dopamine is said to increase creativity in an individual.
Lacking the creativity genes does not mean you cannot foster or develop creativity in your life or work. Here are some habits that can help your brain think creatively:
- Use imaginative play in your routine work and life.
- Be open to inspirations that stem from your passions.
- Take time to reflect in solitude as research suggests solitary reflection uses a different kind of brain network compared to external reflection.
- Follow your intuition as it helps generate creative ideas and find solutions to problems at hand in a creative way.
- Be open to learning– through studying, new experiences, and adventures, as they all help develop creativity in a myriad number of ways.
- Practice mindfulness every day. It helps you observe the present moment without any distractions or judgment from others. It also helps in improving concentration, sustain attention, inculcate empathy and compassion– all of which are central to creativity.
- Being sensitive and knowing to connect the dots is important to develop creativity.
- Extreme adversities can be used to harness creativity as they act as a catalyst to help you develop it.
- Think unconventionally, even if there's a risk of failure.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3995040/
https://www.snpedia.com/index.php/Rs4680
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3724581/
https://www.genecards.org/cgi-bin/carddisp.pl?gene=NRG1/
https://selfdecode.com/snp/rs6994992/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3724581/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19594860/
Optimism is an attitude characterized by hopefulness and confidence in a successful or favorable outcome for a specific endeavor or future.
Research shows that optimism is linked with good outcomes, like higher life expectancy, better recovery rates, and success at work.
There’s a famous saying by Winston Churchill where he defines an optimist and pessimist aptly. It goes like this “An optimist sees an opportunity in every calamity; a pessimist sees a calamity in every opportunity.”
Optimists expect good things to happen. They look at the positive side of everything.
A classic example is a glass filled halfway with water. An optimist would say the glass is half-full, while the pessimist would say the glass is half-empty.
Research shows that a combination of genetics and environmental factors affects optimism levels.
People with certain genetic types are more likely to be optimistic and may exhibit characteristics such as being happy and content, quick to forgive, less stressed, grateful, and altruistic.
The OXTR gene carries instructions for the production of the oxytocin receptor protein.
This protein acts as a receptor to oxytocin and binds to it.
Oxytocin is a hormone and a neurotransmitter that transmits signals between neurons.
This hormone plays a role in female reproductive functions.
It also impacts social functions and emotions such as bonding behavior, empathy, trust, and optimism.
rs53576
rs53576 is a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism or SNP in the OXTR gene.
Individuals with the GG genotype were found to be more empathetic and optimistic.
Carriers of the A allele were found to have a higher risk for negative mood states.
Your tendency to look at the positive side of things can also stem from certain non-genetic factors.
Age
Adults tend to be more optimistic than younger people.
As you grow older, your experience also increases, which may lead you to a more positive outlook on life.
Family environment
Children brought up in a moderately controlled family environment tend to be more optimistic than children who were allowed to be less independent.
The socioeconomic status of the family also affects optimism levels.
Optimism has several positive physical and mental health benefits. However, in certain cases, being extremely optimistic can be detrimental.
So, having a healthy level of optimism and a realistic and positive approach to life is more beneficial.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2894461/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25564674
https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/optimism-and-your-health
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275795#what_is_oxytocin
https://www.genecards.org/cgi-bin/carddisp.pl?gene=OXTR
https://www.pnas.org/content/116/37/18357
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2933381/
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-benefits-of-optimism-3144811#citation-1
Cognition and intelligence are skills that one is born with but can be developed during the individual’s lifetime. Verbal reasoning is the ability to think in words, i.e., the ability to solve problems based on words and language.
Numerical ability, on the other hand, is the ability to play with numbers. Individuals with good numerical ability can work around quickly with numbers, are good with simple arithmetic problems, and use the various formulae they know to arrive at solutions. These individuals are great in sectors like finance and marketing.
Verbal numerical reasoning is an essential cognitive skill that everyone develops as they grow up. This skill has become increasingly important for day-to-day activities, including finding a job.
Numerical reasoning is a basic skill that exists in children even before they are taught mathematics in school. It helps in a myriad number of ways, including:
- Critical thinking
- Solving basic math and arithmetic problems
- Ability to form estimates
- Analysis of graphs and data
- Increases concentration while solving mathematics problems
Verbal reasoning enables one to reason and understands concepts based on words and language. Having good verbal reasoning allows one to develop perception and empathy, solve complicated problems, and develop a good vocabulary.
Verbal numerical reasoning is characterized under a very broad heading of intelligence. There are many factors, apart from genetics, that can influence an individual’s numeric and verbal reasoning. These are:
- Gender: Boys tend to have a better understanding of mathematical problem solving whereas, girls tend to have higher language and verbal reasoning abilities.
- Family environment at home: Poor parenting can result in lower verbal or numerical reasoning in a child.
- Education: The quality of teaching, the level of education
- Diet: A poorly nutritious diet can affect brain development and function in a child and subsequently reduce their verbal and quantitative reasoning abilities.
- Lack of emotional support
Individuals who have high verbal numerical reasoning show some characteristics such as:
- A love for reading and writing
- Sharing thoughts on what they’ve read
- Good editing skills
- Good retention capacity
- Multilingual
Not everyone is blessed with genes that make them adept at verbal and numerical reasoning. However, there are ways to improve your numerical and verbal reasoning abilities:
- Engage yourself in word games or numerical problems
- Try spelling tests or numerical problem tests
- Try writing stories and putting your thoughts into words
- Improve your general knowledge by reading books, newspapers, playing science games
- Try logic games and pattern identifying tests
- Get back to school books and try your hand at some basic numerical and verbal reasoning problems
Agreeableness is one of the five major personality traits that are associated with human behavior. Agreeableness is the ability of a person to be harmonious (agreeable) with the people around. People who are agreeable are often seen to be warm, kind, and pleasant to interact with.
Agreeableness improves interpersonal relationships and results in a satisfactory life.
Agreeableness is a superordinate trait. It means that there are a lot of sub-traits that are grouped under this major trait. Below is a list of 6 sub-traits that form a part of agreeableness.
- Trust
- Altruism
- Straightforwardness
- Modesty
- Compliance
- Tender-mindedness
Agreeableness reflects the individual's tendency to develop and maintain prosocial relationships. Individuals high in this trait are more trustworthy, straightforward, altruistic, compliant, modest, and tender-minded.
Agreeableness also affects other personality traits.
Empathy is the ability of a person to feel other people’s emotions. Agreeableness is positively associated with empathy. Studies conclude that people who show high agreeableness are able to be more empathetic too.
Altruism is a behavior where people put other’s happiness forefront and derive joy out of it. Altruism is a very important trait needed for the upliftment of the community and is also positively associated with agreeable people.
Trust is the ability to depend, believe, or confide in another person. Being agreeable makes it easy for a person to trust people around.
The results of three individual studies were analyzed, and the effects of agreeableness on interpersonal relationships and satisfaction were studied.
All studies concluded that agreeableness was positively related to everyday satisfaction and relationship satisfaction.
People who are agreeable try their best to avoid confrontation and hence prefer cooperation over-aggression or anger.
People who are more agreeable show higher levels of modesty.
Lowered levels of agreeableness are also associated with an increased risk of mortality.
Another 2003 study concluded that people with lowered levels of agreeability were at an increased risk for developing a love for unhealthy food habits and an increased risk for physical health conditions like obesity.
The CLOCK gene (Circadian Locomotor Output Cycles Kaput gene) helps control the body’s internal clock and regulates sleeping and waking up times.
Since the sleep cycle is very important in regulating metabolism and other psychological functions in the body, it also plays a role in changing people’s behaviors.
rs6832769
rs6832769 is a single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP in the CLOCK gene. The major A allele of this SNP is associated with less agreeability behavior than the minor G allele.
The CNR1 gene (Cannabinoid Receptor type 1 gene) helps produce the cannabinoid receptor in the body. These receptors are active in the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) in the body. These receptors play a role in the emotional state of a person and also alter their behavior.
rs806366
rs806366 is a single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP in the CNR1 gene.
The major C allele of this SNP is associated with higher levels of agreeableness when compared to the minor T allele.
Women score higher in levels of agreeableness than men and show traits like warmth and tender mindedness.
A study analyzed the changes in the Big Five personality traits with age. The study considered the results of two national samples and concluded that the levels of agreeability increased steadily with age. Older people showed higher levels of agreeability when compared to younger individuals.
The parenting style a child is exposed to during the initial years makes a difference in the big five personality traits developed as an adult. Children who experience positive parenting grow up to become agreeable adults. Children who are exposed to an angry parenting style, especially from their mothers, grow with less agreeability and more neuroticism.
People who are very agreeable try hard at pleasing others around. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology asked a group of 104 people to interact and play a game together. The study concluded that members were not very happy with people who are very agreeable and tried to push them out of the group.
Pollyanna Myth is a tendency where people remember positive things better and more accurately than negative things. The results of four individual studies show that people who are more agreeable go through extremes of the Pollyanna Myth.
This means they judge prosocial behaviors very positively, but they judge antisocial behaviors with extreme negativity. This makes them unfairly judgemental to those who are not perfect.
Studies suggest that people who are very agreeable tend to become group-thinkers. These individuals cannot make their own unique decisions in a group and may not become effective leaders.
If you are very agreeable, be a part of smaller groups where you are not coerced into making a decision that the group agrees to. Smaller groups work better for people with high levels of agreeableness and encourage them to take independent decisions more confidently.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2730208/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/agreeableness
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3845351/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2730208/
Breastfeeding is feeding a woman's (mother's) breastmilk to a baby for its nourishment. For the first six months of a baby's life, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding to help the child receive essential nourishment.
Most women start lactating as soon as they give birth. They can breastfeed the child for as long as they want to or according to the baby's needs.
A few facts about breastmilk:
- Breastmilk is a perfect combination of fat, sugar, proteins, and water.
- Breastmilk also contains growth factors, neuropeptides, and hormones that are needed for the growth and development of the baby.
- The composition of breastmilk keeps changing depending on what the baby needs.
- Breastmilk triggers a positive immune response in the body to help the baby fight infections better.
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 58.3% of babies are breastfed at six months, and only 35.3% of infants are breastfed at the one-year mark in the United States.
IQ is the score that measures human intelligence. There are standardized tests that can measure IQ levels. In general terms, people with higher IQ are considered more intelligent with the ability to achieve more personally and professionally.
A 2008 study tried to analyze the effects of extended breastfeeding on a child's cognitive ability. A total of 17046 babies were selected, and 13889 children participated in the follow-up study after 6.5 years.
[Exclusively breastfed children scored better in the IQ tests and also had higher academic ratings when compared to children who were not exclusively breastfed] (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/482695).
Another 2015 study assessed the effects of breastfeeding on long-term IQ levels, income bracket, and educational qualifications for 30-year-old adults. A total of 5914 babies were selected for the study, and 3493 of these babies came back as 30-year-old adults for the follow-up.
The study concluded that babies who were exclusively breastfed for at least 12 months had higher IQ scores, had more years of education, and had significantly higher income levels.
In Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), the number of children who are exclusively breastfed for the first six months is lower than the average WHO standards. This could be causing lowered IQ standards in these regions.
A 2014 meta-study analyzed the results of 25 individual studies that related obesity and breastfeeding. It concluded that breastfeeding was associated with a lesser risk of obesity in children.
Now, there are also studies that relate childhood obesity with an increased risk for low intellectual ability. Breastfeeding can also increase IQ levels indirectly by bringing down the risk of obesity.
Breastfeeding positively affects the below health factors.
- Breastfeeding reduces the risk of asthma, allergies, and respiratory illnesses.
- Breastmilk strengthens the immune response.
- Breastfeeding is associated with reduced risk of diabetes and certain kinds of cancers as the child grows up.
Breastfeeding, in general, keeps the child healthy. Healthy children are more active, and physical health is directly associated with increased IQ levels.
You might assume that breastfeeding was the obvious and natural choice for infants before the introduction of formula feeds. That wasn't the case, though.
Breastmilk substitutes were common and largely chosen as early as 3500 BC. There is evidence of breast-shaped pots in clay that were used as an alternative to breastfeeding for babies. These pots were filled with cow and goat milk.
It was very common for ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian royalty to hire wet nurses (women who are paid to breastfeed another woman's child) to breastfeed the royal children. By the 16th century, this process was so common that books on 'how to hire a wet nurse' were published and sold in large numbers.
It was said that wet nurses who were highly paid hired cheaper wet nurses to feed their babies and used their milk to feed other children.
As the importance of breastfeeding started being researched, things took a U-turn. Governments started encouraging women to breastfeed their own children. In Germany, during the late 1700s, the government made it compulsory for healthy mothers to breastfeed their own children.
In the 20th century, formula milk was introduced as an easier alternative to breastmilk and became very popular. By around the 1970s, only 22% of women in the United States breastfed their babies, and the rest used formula milk. This lasted for a couple of decades.
Studies that pointed to breastmilk increasing a child's cognitive and IQ skills changed people's mindsets.
Right now, breastfeeding and its importance are widely researched and studied. Women take conscious and better decisions. The benefits of breastfeeding for the development of cognitive abilities are encouraging a lot of healthy and willing mothers to consider breastfeeding their children for as long as they can.
Genetics can play a role in determining how effective breastfeeding is to develop high IQ levels.
The FADS2 gene (Fatty acid desaturase 2 gene) helps in converting fatty acids in the body to Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA). Both these are vital for cell growth and the overall growth and development of human beings.
This conversion is also important for normal cognitive function in children and adults.
rs174575
rs174575 is a single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP in the FADS2 gene. A study revealed that people with the C allele in this SNP had a 6.4 IQ point advantage when compared to non-breastfed children with the C allele. Children with the G allele did not show such an advantage with breastfeeding.
*rs1535 * is another SNP in the FADS2 gene. The same study identified that people with the AA and AG genotypes of the SNP rs1535 of this same gene showed higher IQ levels when breastfed. This advantage was not present in people with GG genotype.
Make breastfeeding an easy process
Learning the right breastfeeding postures, understanding the basics of the process, and taking help from a lactating consultant if needed can all help make breastfeeding an easy journey, and this will positively affect the child's IQ levels.
Mothers can consider pumping breastmilk and freezing excess milk to ensure they are able to provide breastmilk to the infant for as long as they want to.
Consider mixed feeding if you are unable to exclusively breastfeed
Some women completely give up breastfeeding if they find their milk production inadequate or if the child gets hungry often. Such mothers can consider a mix of both breastmilk and formula milk for their babies to ensure the baby is full and the required goodness from breastmilk is still provided to the child.
Breastfeeding as a personal choice
Breastfeeding is a personal choice of the mother, who should not be forced to take it up because of its relation to positive IQ levels. If the mother is unable to breastfeed because of health issues or does not want to breastfeed, then there are brain exercises and different learning practices that can also help improve Intelligence Quotient (IQ) in babies.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4686345/
< https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6480788/>
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22371471/
https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-017-4913-4 https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/reportcard.htm
Happiness can be defined and perceived in various ways.
It is an emotional state characterized by feelings of well-being, joy, or contentment. Psychologists term happiness as subjective well-being. It is a measure of relative life satisfaction.
The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle said, “Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim, and end of human existence.”
Everyone has a different version of true happiness.
Some people may be happy with their friends, while others find true happiness when they pursue their dreams.
Regardless of each person’s version of true happiness, it makes you feel better, live a good life, and gives you a deep sense of contentment.
People who are happy in general feel other emotions too.
Happy people engage in healthy behavior. Being happy has various health benefits also.
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by different glands in the body. One of the main functions of hormones is to regulate mood. There are certain hormones called happy hormones which promote positive feelings. These happy hormones include:
A study reported that genetic variation is responsible for 33% of the variance in life satisfaction. There are several genes that affect the production and transportation of happy hormones that are responsible for mood. Changes in these genes can affect your baseline happiness.
The 5-HTTLPR gene produces a type of serotonin (happy hormone) transporter. Changes in this gene are also associated with changes in personality traits, including extraversion.
rs25531
rs25531 is a single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP in the 5-HTTLPR gene.
People with the GG genotype are found to have higher levels of serotonin and be happier.
There are several factors apart from genetics that affects happiness.
There are various things you can do to make your life happier. Happiness is not consistent. Certain habits may make some people happy, but not others. With a little time and practice, you’ll figure out what does and doesn’t work for you.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2841741/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3858957/
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-happiness-4869755
https://www.healthline.com/health/happy-hormone
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/happiness-and-health
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-be-happy
