Posts Tagged ‘creativity’

• Wed, Jun 23 2010

  Vitamin Z, A Quirky Essential

  By danielle at 5:35 pm

  

  Mad scientists are often portrayed having breakthroughs in the wee hours of the morning. That’s cool and dramatic, I guess, but as it turns out, skimping on sleep is a sure-fire way to also miss out on some pretty great ideas.

  Researchers at the University of California-San Diego School of Medicine found that Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep enhances creative problem-solving. REM sleep is reached about 70 to 90 minutes after reaching that “out cold” state when most dreaming occurs and cerebral activity is heightened. What’s more important than optimal creative problem-solving in our world of Quirky inventions? Not too much.

  Oh, and naps work too.

  “We found that — for creative problems that you’ve already been working on — the passage of time is enough to find solutions,” said Dr. Sara Mednick, the study’s head researcher. Not only can a 20-minute cat nap elevate a grouchy mood, but it can also enhance alertness and concentration, and sharpen motor skills. So if you’re in the middle of churning out your best innovative concept yet, why not take a quick siesta to quicken the process? Try the tips below for the perfect nap:

  1. Find a comfortable spot.

  2. Set an alarm.

  3. Darken/quiet the room.

  4. Breathe slowly.

  5. Be inspired.

  There’s your cue, Quirks! We’re counting on you to be well-rested. No pressure or anything…

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  • Tags:
  • creativity,
  • productivity,
  • sleep
• Fri, Jun 18 2010

  Healthy Body, Creative Mind

  By danielle at 10:17 am

  

  “Bid me run, and I will strive with things impossible,” wrote Shakespeare in Julius Caesar.

  Apparently, there is proven logic to Billy’s artistic prose. Over 10 years ago, scientific research found a definite link between exercise and creativity and more recent psychological research has found that bodily movement can enhance innovative thinking.

  Joan Price, author of The Anytime, Anywhere Exercise Book, said, ”We are made to move, not sit at a desk 12 hours a day.” Make your workout work for you by infiltrating it into your schedule — park farther away from the office entrance or get off one subway stop early, take the stairs whenever possible, ask a colleague a question by walking over to their desk instead of sending an email, and try these at-your-desk stretches from WebMD.com:

  - Sitting tall in your chair, stretch both arms over your head and reach for the sky. After 10 seconds, extend the right hand higher, then the left.

  - Let your head loll over so that your right ear nearly touches your right shoulder. Using your hand, press your head a little lower (gently, now). Hold for 10 seconds. Relax, and then repeat on the other side.

  - Try this yoga posture to relieve tension: Sit facing forward, then turn your head to the left and your torso to the right, and hold a few seconds. Repeat 15 times, alternating sides.

  - Sitting up straight, try to touch your shoulder blades together. Hold, and then relax.

  - You get to put your feet up for this one! To ease the hamstrings and lower back, push your chair away from your desk and put your right heel up on the desk. Sit up straight, and bend forward just until you feel a gentle stretch in the back of your leg. Flex your foot for a few seconds, and then point it. Bend forward a little farther, flex your foot again, and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

  Oh, and that’s not all! The benefits come full circle in a claim by a researcher at the University of Texas at Austin: “Creative activity is non-routine, enjoyable and provides opportunity for learning and for solving problems. People who do that kind of work, whether paid or not, feel healthier and have fewer physical problems.” More specifically, creative expression can strengthen the immune system, release emotions, reduce pain, aid in injury repair, and increase self-esteem.

  Although we can’t promise you a life-long clean bill of health (or a hot bod) for your participation at Quirky, it is nice to know that what’s good for us is also good for you. Run around the block, do a little dance, and unleash your inner creative muse. Your body and our community will thank you for it.

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  • Tags:
  • creativity,
  • health
• Thu, May 27 2010

  Peace Out, Quirky

  By quirky interns at 4:15 pm

  My time at Quirky is coming to an end… it went by so fast!  Working here is fantastic for so many reasons:

  I get to design stuff every single day.

  I am faced with a challenge each day.

  I work with crazy smart and talented people.

  BERTHA.

  I start every day off in a good mood (thanks to Nikki and Jess, the “good morning!” committee).

  The kitchen is almost always stocked with straws.

  We get deliveries of delicious cupcakes, cakes, and chocolates all the time from the awesome community.

  and the list goes on and on…

  But my most favorite thing about Quirky isn’t confined to the office. My favorite thing is the way Quirky encourages people to express themselves. As the weeks go on I notice that the idea submissions get more and more exciting to scroll through. The submissions have gone from tons of text to text plus hand sketches, computer sketches, movies, Google Sketch up models, mock ups, photos, and other media. Everyone is learning how to express themselves and communicate their ideas effectively and creatively. And the best part is, everyone is learning from each other. Creativity may not come naturally to everyone but everyone has it, and Quirky is finding it and bringing it to life. I think that’s pretty freaking cool. So although I will miss working in the office (miss it like crazy!) I’m glad I don’t have to miss out on my favorite part. See you on the other side, Quirky staffers… and Quirky community, make some room!

  – Kate, Design Intern

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  • Tags:
  • creativity,
  • interns,
  • love