There was an old milk commercial that stated: Happy cows produce happy milk. This commercial was actually based on scientific research that proved happier cows literally produce more nutritious milk. In a study published in the Journal of Endocrinology, researchers from the University of Wisconsin, Madison found that cows who were exposed to Serotonin (a natural chemical known to boost happiness) produced milk with an increased level of calcium.

The truth is our emotional state can make or break our ability to think. When we are in an increased state of happiness our brain gets greater blood flow, thus allowing us to think better. However, when we are in distress our mind becomes very clouded as we try to think. Feeling stress has been shown to decrease activity in your cerebellum, which slows the brain’s ability to process new information. This greatly limits your ability to engage in creative problem-solving. Our thoughts literally have the power to suppress or release neurochemicals that determine our happiness.

So, the good news is that we can think our way into creative thinking. What I mean by this is that choosing to be optimistic, positive, and hopeful, releases the neurochemical Serotonin in our body, thus increasing our ability to be happy and productive. Shawn Achor, author of The Happiness Advantage wrote, “When we are happy—when our mindset and mood are positive—we are smarter, more motivated, and thus more successful. Happiness is the center, and success revolves around it.”

If you are going to access the full potential of thinking you have to be intentional about creating an environment that you enjoy. You have to be in a place that is distraction free and stress-free. You must have a greenhouse for your thoughts. You need an environment that sparks creativity and opens up your mind. Everyone responds differently to certain environments, this is why creative people know where to go to produce. If you want inspiration, get around inspirational stuff. Surround yourself with inspirational people. Engulf yourself with books that inspire you. Go to places that spark your creativity. Know thyself in order to inspire thyself. Do some soul searching and ask yourself what things, people, experiences, or places make you come alive.