Creative problem solving

It seems that there are distinct prior brain states associated with solving or not solving a problem.
“two brain imaging techniques yielded highly similar results and showed a different pattern of brain activity prior to problems that they subsequently solved with an “Aha!”, compared to the pattern of brain activity prior to problems they solved more methodically.”

So I imagine that in the next year or two we will be inundated with techniques and technologies that will claim to be able to put us into the right state. In fact, I suspect that the NLP anchoring technique will probably be cannibalised quite a lot to do so. So what is the practical difference between the states and how can we change state? Well, it depends on the kind of solution.
“…preparation that led to more methodical solutions involved increased neural activity in the visual cortex at the back of the brain — suggesting that preparation for deliberate problem solving simply involved external focus of attention on the video monitor on which the problem would be displayed.” Which seems to indicate the possibility of ‘preparation for meditation’ sorts of techniques particularly ones that involve visual things.

On the other hand, “Mental preparation that led to insight solutions was generally characterized by increased brain activity in temporal lobe areas associated with conceptual processing, and with frontal lobe areas associated with cognitive control or “top-down” processing. Jung-Beeman noted that “Problem solvers could use cognitive control to switch their train of thought when stuck on a problem, or possibly to suppress irrelevant thoughts, such as those related to the previous problem.” Which may suggest exercises in focus and letting go might be productive. As it is there are few better clues as to precisely what might be helpful, “We have begun to understand how the brain prepares for creative insight. This will hopefully lead to techniques for facilitating it.”

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