Lovers and artists

To increase creativity AND romance in your life, try something new!  This can be trying out a new hobby, doing something in a different way, or traveling somewhere new, such as trying a new restaurant, taking a walk on a different route or at a different time, or planning a trip large or small to somewhere you haven't been before.  When we get out of our usual routine and responsibilities, particularly around home, it expands the open-minded thinking parts of the brain. This is good for renewing the creativity generating part of the mind. If you're in a relationship, keep in mind that that same part of the brain that generates creativity also generates romance!  Is there really much difference between a new lover and an artist embarking on a new creation project (whether a painting, a sculpture, a dance, a movie, a garden design . . . you name it)?

So to keep your creative life flowing, and your relationship feeling good, try new things regularly. Should you do these things alone or with your sweetie?  Well, both.  The same part of your brain chemistry is getting fired up in each, but you sometimes really need that alone time as an artist or creative; it is your time to refuel the essence of the very unique you.  But then again, we function best when our relationships are thriving too, so share novel and exciting experiences also. 

How does it work?  When you are doing rewarding or exciting activities, your brain operates with the same chemistry as when a new love relationship is just beginning.  That part of the brain stimulated in new lovers and those engaged in exciting, rewarding activities is the same, fueled by the neurotransmitter, dopamine. Interesting - which may help explain why artists are never happier than when they're creating and practicing their art.