The Best Time to be Creative may not be When you Think it is

While the “where” creativity comes from remains an unsolved mystery, there is actually some science backing up “when” the best time to be creative is.

I used to assume that to do great creative work, I would have to do it during the morning when I am well rested and alert. I would set an alarm, brew some coffee, pack my backpack and dutifully hike to the library (or lately, make the very long, two feet commute from my bed to my desk) to put my nose to the grindstone. 

Occasionally, it would work, and a great idea would come during my designated creative work hours. But over time, I noticed that often my best ideas would come while doing inconsequential things throughout my day, or winding down at night. 

Then I wondered, was this as totally random as it was frustrating? Or is there some science behind this? Does an ideal hour of the day to be creative exist?

A couple hours of research later and I can confirm that there is science behind the ideal time you can optimize your creativity. But it has more to do with your body clock than the time displayed on the lock screen of your phone. And it’s probably not at all what you’re thinking.

Everyone has their optimal time of the day when they are most alert - the two traditional camps of early birds and night owls. But according to scientific research, that magical “aha moment”, where you reach that totally out of the box, original solution doesn’t occur during that peak time of morning for early birds, or night for night owls. Or at even normal times of the day. Actually, that moment often happens when you’re tired. 

Yes, you read that right. Working at your best might be overrated. The most optimal time for you to be creative is really the opposite of what you most likely already believe it is.

According to multiple studies and articles (see: this article, and this study), a less alert brain is conducive for creativity. When you’re tired, you’re more distracted. You’re less focused, and more forgetful. The typical connections and lines between subjects become blurred or forgotten altogether. All of these things are actually beneficial for creativity, because they force the brain to make new connections and think in new ways.

So how can you use this to your advantage as a creative in school or in the workplace, without discarding your sleep schedule? 

If you’re an early bird, knock out sending emails, formatting spreadsheets and completing those tasks that require higher focus in the morning when you’re most alert. Save the brainstorming, copywriting and sketching for later in your day. And if you’re a night owl, maybe consider skipping your morning coffee and try brainstorming in the morning, and tackling more straight-cut tasks for the hours leading up to when you clock out. And if you have the luxury of being a student, save your homework in creative classes for when you are most tired - whatever time of the day that might be for you.

You can also try incorporate a few night or mornings out of the week (depending on your optimal, non-optimal time) to “free write” your ideas, brainstorm and dream. Try to not focus on remembering details, and just write down what intrigues you. Try exercising regularly, and take advantage of that post-workout time when you’re tired to harness those creative ideas. And don’t forget to listen to your body — what works for most people may not work for you. Experiment with working in the mornings and then at nights and pay attention to where you are most creative, and develop a routine that works for you.