Underrated Forms of Medicine for Intuitive Leaders to Boost Creativity and Intuitive Connection

When you think of boosting creativity and intuition, you might imagine intensive workshops, inspirational books, or complex rituals. However, some of the most effective practices are surprisingly simple and deeply personal.

Here are ten underrated forms of "medicine" to nurture your creative and intuitive self, backed by research: scientifically and anecdotally:

1. Adequate Sleep & Power Naps

Sleep is foundational for creative thinking and intuitive problem-solving. Research shows REM sleep boosts the integration of unrelated ideas—those crucial "aha" moments. I use my OURA ring to track my sleep each night. A tell-tale sign I’ll be short on both creativity and intuition is when I don’t need enough deep sleep (enough for me is 60+ minutes… I average around 90). On days when deep sleep is cut short, power naps — particularly those around 20 minutes — can significantly enhance your pattern recognition and cognitive flexibility. I trained myself how to take power naps in college, and now it’s like riding a bike.

2. Eating Nostalgic Foods

The joke when I was in kindergarten was that I was about to turn into a peanut butter and jelly sandwich because that was literally all I ate. Now, it’s something I rely on when I need a simple way to reconnect to myself. Nostalgic foods, those snacks from your childhood, aren't just comforting—they're mood-enhancing and emotionally grounding. Eating nostalgic foods triggers neurochemical releases, creating feelings of safety, emotional ease, and pleasure, freeing your mind for creative thought.

3. Regular Journaling

Writing regularly in a journal isn't merely a habit—it's a profound reflective practice that enhances emotional regulation, self-awareness, and creative clarity. Journaling surfaces unconscious insights, making it easier to tap into intuitive thinking. If you’re new to this habit or want to go deeper with your journaling practice, I invite you to join the Morning Pages Club.

4. Walking or Spending Time Outdoors

Walking boosts creative ideation significantly. Spending time in nature magnifies these effects, with research noting a creativity boost of up to 60%. Natural settings provide gentle stimulation that refreshes your cognitive resources, enhancing intuitive clarity. I use my walks for clarity. I’ll ask for signs on stuff I’m stuck on. If I’m ever overthinking it, I’ll be greeted by a hummingbird – nature’s way of saying “you’re lost in the weeds” to me.

5. Spending Time Alone (Aura-Free Zone)

Intentional solitude—free from phones, pets, and other people—is incredibly rejuvenating for creativity and intuition. Time alone engages your brain's default-mode network, vital for self-reflection, deep thought, and insight generation. This does not need to be for extended periods of time – although that always feels really good. Even just 5 minutes alone can reset your ability to connect to yourself and tune in. Also, if you find yourself saying “I don’t have time for this”, I challenge you to audit your life because lacking 5 minutes of alone time is a sign of a greater issue (not asking for help, taking too much on, too much stress, etc).

6. Mid-Day Shower for Energy Reset

Taking a mid-day shower can serve as an emotional and mental reset, providing a burst of creativity and clarity. The simple act of showering boosts dopamine, resets your circadian rhythm, and encourages creative insights to emerge. I love pairing this with actually getting ready. I may not have had the good vibes going in the morning, but when I look cute in the afternoon, my energy just feels different.

7. Singing Out Loud

Singing isn't just joyful; it's therapeutic. Vocalizing engages muscles linked to emotional release and is associated with unblocking the throat chakra, enhancing authenticity, communication, and emotional openness—keys to creative and intuitive freedom. I’ve made a “Sing Along Songs” playlist that I listen to while cooking or cleaning or driving in the car. Getting the throat chakra fired up can be great preparation for later moments when you need to speak something important into the world.

8. Horizon Gazing for Perspective

Looking at the horizon or expansive landscapes restores mental stability and perspective. Studies reveal horizon gazing supports intuitive integration, bridging logical thought with intuitive insight, thus enhancing creative vision. Even if you can’t get to a pretty landscape, I’ve found that even visuals work great for this. I have a Pinterest board that I look at if I need this boost.

9. Drinking Enough Water

Proper hydration profoundly influences cognitive function. Even mild dehydration can diminish creativity, attention, and intuition. Staying adequately hydrated supports brain health, ensuring optimal conditions for creativity and intuitive thinking. I love this one quote from Anima Mundi – “You’re basically a complicated houseplant,” and isn’t that so true?! We need a little water, a little sunlight and some TLC, and how good does that feel?!

10. Spending Time with Soul Friends

Time spent with people who deeply understand you is invaluable for emotional and intuitive well-being. Strong friendships significantly lower stress, increase life satisfaction, and create emotional spaces where creativity and intuition flourish. I’m really cognizant of the concept “you become the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with”, especially as someone who prefers intimacy over volume. Are you surrounded by the right people right now?

Integrating these underrated "medicines" into your life can have a profound impact on your creative output and intuitive insights. Try incorporating them consistently and observe the shifts they inspire in your creative and intuitive journey.

PS. I am not a doctor. Please consult with a medical professional to find out what works best for you.