The Power Of Using Your Imagination For Brain Health

The key to an untold world

When we are children growing up, our imagination is the key to an untold world. In fact, kids with more active imaginations have better brain health, and are more likely to dream and strive for greater things as adults. 

Too often, however, as we grow up, we are told to “get our heads out of the clouds” and that living in an imaginary world is not good for us. However, stifling your imagination is the worst thing you could to yourself, as it will only pave the way for accelerated aging, and a life that is left unfulfilled. 

Not convinced of the utility imagination has for improving brain health? Keep reading.

Imagination Unleashes Creativity

Though many take creativity for granted, it is a trait not possessed by everyone. In fact, many people are classified as primarily “right brained” or “left brained” even though it’s a myth.  Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS said, “Like most things in life, it's not all or nothing, or this OR that. We have to remember that regardless of which side of the brain is more dominant for us, both sides are involved.” though if such a thing exists in reality is questionable. 

Regardless, it is argued that highly intellectual, logical types are less likely to be creative, have less wild imaginations and are typically rule followers who do not believe in much of anything that cannot be logically concluded or attained. 

Imagination unleashes creativity, allowing you to live a life filled with potential. The creative individual does not see the sky as the limit, instead the limit is as far as he or she can imagine. 

They not only think outside the box, for them there is no box, and so their brains are constantly challenged, humming and conjuring up all sorts of goodies. Anything the mind can conjure is good enough to become true, be it work, life, personal goals or  accomplishments. A vivid imagination is something that should be cultivated in childhood.

Having A More Active Imagination Boosts Empathy

Empathy is the act of being truly sympathetic to another person’s cause, without ever actually experiencing it yourself. Should it be a surprise to then hear that many people do not know how to express empathy? The reason is simple; it is not because that person is a bad individual, or mean spirited. It simply means that individual cannot picture the grief of the person experiencing the situation, and therefore cannot truly relate. 

Your imagination may leave you well-poised to offer a shoulder for support, as you are able to envision going through the same thing as the person suffering, which provides you with the ability to demonstrate what you think a person needs at that time. Being of service towards other people in that way, promotes your own mental health and emotional wellness. 

Imagination Forges Stronger Neuronal Connections In The Brain

Those brain connections are what make you who you are, and forming new neuronal connections supports memory functions and keeps the brain vibrant, strong, and thriving.

Your imagination can be a useful tool for strengthening these connections, so that they become long-term memories. Here are two scenarios to explain how memory works. An intellectual will harness and strengthen memory by repetition. Studying work day after day enhances these connections bit by bit, or via physical practice. 

On the other hand, someone who uses their imagination may know something well, and be able to recall all without every really doing it. Take for example planning for their wedding. Years and years beforehand, that person could have meticulously planned and imagined their dream wedding, so that when the actual time comes, the planning step and what you want exactly pops up like clockwork. In this instance imagination occupies a superior level compared to theoretical learning.

Imagination Promotes Social Interaction

There is a major difference between creative and intellectual types, in that individuals with a more active imagination find it easier to relate and deal with people from all walks of life. This explains some of the divergence between introverts and extroverts. Introverts tend to be intellectuals that are happy spending time with themselves with a good book or something to entertain themselves.  Creatives, or extroverts, crave social interaction and the forming of relationships which have the added benefit of fostering self-development and growth.  

Scientific studies show that social interaction may reduce the risks of dementia, and the onset of age-related cognitive decline by keeping the brain young and thriving as you age. The Alzheimer's Association advises that leading an active social life protects against memory loss. Spending time with friends and family and engaging in stimulating conversation supports overall brain health and promotes mental wellness.

Conclusion

Being an intellectual should not be the yardstick measure for being smart, as your imagination offers a completely different perspective on life that makes it worth living. Moreover, children should not have their creativity stifled, as it also stunt their growth and development as unique individuals. It could also negatively impact their ability to form and maintain meaningful relationships that add and multiply in their lives.  

Cultivate and promote your own imagination whenever possible, your brain is counting on you! 

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If you like this content, check out my article about the antidote to brain burnout at: https://www.theunreliablemind.com/blog/the-key-to-a-happier-life.

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