Hello! I fear there is no trace of inspiration inside my heart this week. Nothing that catches my attention seems to be coming my way. So, let’s write about it. This week’s theme is: inspiration.
Let’s first look over the physiological reaction of your body:
What Happens in Your Body?
1. Hey, I’m Inspiration!
When you’re struck by a ray of inspiration, the release of dopamine is triggered. Dopamine, a hormone we all probably know by name, is related to feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation.
2. Pumping Hearts
Dopamine leads to an increase in heart rate. This increase is rather slight, but it leads to enhanced blood flow and therefore supply.
3. Mode: Focus!
We’ve all experienced it, when feeling inspired, you feel extremely focused and creative. These are exactly the areas your brain’s activity shifts towards.
4. Bye bye Stress
In a situation of inspiration, there is the possibility of cortisol, our body’s primary stress hormone, reducing.
5. I Feel Like I could Attend a Marathon!
As a result of all of these slight changes in our body, energy levels arise.
Now that we’ve had a little physiological insight into what’s happening in our body, let’s look at some of the psychological impacts of inspiration:
What’s Impact on One’s Mind?
1. Motivation
Being inspired is motivating! Whether you’re being inspired by an idea, a picture, or another person, whether you’re inspired by drawing, dancing, or pursuing a job, being inspired is usually linked to an area of life towards which it is possible to take action. That’s why being inspired motivates us to move forward.
2. Creativity
Taking action towards an idea or concept needs a plan of some kind, it needs persistent effort. Coming up with solutions, perfecting your vision, or working towards a goal, inspiration sparks creativity in this process.
3. Concentration
When inspired, you’ll see yourself being extremely focused and concentrated on your topic of inspiration. But, everything else might become rather uninteresting in comparison.
4. Reduced stress
As cortisol levels have the possibility to be reduced, your stress levels will decrease. This is extremely powerful. Inspiration is, just like stress, a very stimulating feeling. Experiencing a rise in energy without the anxiety occurring from stress and insecurity leaves you with a feeling of invincibility.
5. Sense of purpose
Inspiration sparks ideas, ideas we’re confident in. This results in a sense of purpose and belonging. Inspiration is a source of power, enabling us to move towards what we believe in; it reduces feelings of stagnation.
6. Mood
Inspiration basically enhances positive emotions and decreases what holds us back. Inspiration is a powerful source of belief and confidence and results in a boost in mood and overall happiness.
How to Find a Source of Inspiration?
I have good news and good news only: everything can be a source of inspiration! Wonderful, right? No limitations whatsoever! So, let’s look at some ideas or examples of where to search for inspiration:
Nature
Nature is calming, yet energizing; Nature is diverse, and we have a long way until we’ve reached knowing everything about it; Nature is changing, evolving. In other words: nature provides endless opportunities for inspiration.
Reading
Find articles, books, or anything else that strikes your curiosity. We’re not talking about finding something extremely informative or even real; you should search for something you’re interested in. Whether that might be a fantasy book, an article about CRISPRcas, or a short story, texts can inspire you to write for yourself, to draw, or even to retell a story in another way.
Loved ones
The people close to us form our surroundings. Surround yourself with people who fuel your inspiration, either through encouragement or by being the source of your inspiration. That’s right, you can be inspired by someone around you. Haven’t we all looked up to someone before? This can be a great source of motivation, but make sure not to put someone up on a pedestal — don’t set up a friend to fall.
Art
Just like reading, movies or drawings can be a source of inspiration as they provide endless opportunities for creativity and surrealism. They are a source of escape, freedom, and liberty and form a different way to communicate visions and ideas. Be inspired by others and inspire them with your own art.
Music
Another form of artistry: music. It is no secret that music possesses the possibility of influencing mood and emotions. You could create music as an outcome of inspiration or be inspired by others. I personally enjoy drawing when listening to music.
Go out there!
Liking something is not the same as being inspired — you might enjoy listening to music, but it’s not inspiring you to take any further action. The feeling of true inspiration is strong and incredibly forward-driven. If you can’t think of anything in your current life, add something new. Try new hobbies, visit places, listen to different music, meet new people, investigate current topics in science, literature, film, whatever — take action and find your topic of inspiration.
Inspiration can be a fuel for personal growth. It motivates the pursuit of new skills, encourages the realization of goals, helps create freedom, and fosters long-term personal progress. Belonging and purpose, something we all seek in order to live meaningful and fulfilled lives.