Most people know poetry as a creative process, but did you know it could also boost your creativity in the long run?

I didn’t until today!

During my research for today’s topic, I came across a scientific paper published in September 2018 about the effects of poetry on creativity. The authors were Małgorzata Osowiecka and Alina Kolańczyk, two Polish psychologists who wanted to study the influence of poetry on creativity.

They discovered that “long-term exposure to poetry is associated with creativity. This interest in poetry can be explained by an ability to immerse oneself in poetry content (i.e., a type of empathy) and the need for cognitive stimulation.”

Long-term exposure to poetry is associated with creativity. And, as someone immersed in poetry, it explains a LOT about my need to create things.

But the effects of poetry aren’t limited to the writing realm. Another paper, published in November of 2018 by a team of physical scientists (including zoology, humanities, biosciences, environmental sciences, and ocean conservation), found that “There is considerable evidence that exercising creativity through poetry writing, reading, or speaking can develop, maintain, and enhance empathic and innovation skills. Integrating creative practices, such as poetry writing, and developing these skills should be essential components of professional development and practice of conservation scientists. Accordingly, whether in the office, lab, or field, writing and sharing poetry can foster creativity and enhance conservation scientists’ engagement and learning of unfamiliar topics.”

So, not only is poetry linked to creativity and empathy, but it can also help the physical sciences as well? WOW.

Poetry is universal. I have poems based on math sequences (Spiral), science (Phytomedicine), history (Trepanning), biology (Insomnia), and more. I love to see how an underrated art form can connect all the aspects of our society, and I want to encourage you to make poetry a part of your daily life.

Here’s how:

Write a Poem

Obviously, the best way to experience poetry is to write some! It doesn’t have to be elaborate, either. If you can write a rhyming couplet, you can write poetry.

Read a Poem

You don’t have to sit down and consume an entire poetry book, but I do encourage you to read 1-2 poems a day. Read them on your lunch break, with your coffee, standing in line at the grocery store, or wherever you have a few extra minutes.

Listen to a Podcast

Podcasts are perfect for people who don’t like to read or write, and while Present Poetry is always my top suggestion, there are plenty of other poetry-related podcasts on the air today. Find one you like and get some enrichment while driving, cleaning, cooking, and going about your day.

Poetry can boost our creativity, teach us empathy, and give us a unique way to experience the world. It explains a lot about my personality and choices, but I couldn’t imagine my life without poetry.

Use this information to add some poetry to your life, and let’s see what happens when we’re all enriched, creative, and inspired individuals.

With any luck, we’ll be able to change the world.