Generating creative ideas at work pushes employees to think broadly and explore unfamiliar concepts, which can lead to innovative ideas. But what happens after the brainstorming session ends?

New research from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign suggests that brief creative tasks may negatively affect short-term health decisions. In a series of experiments with more than 3,400 participants, the study found that engaging in creative thinking led people to make more indulgent choices when it came to eating, drinking, and exercising.

Indulgent behavior

These indulgences included assembling higher-calorie burgers, making stronger cocktails, planning less intense workouts, and choosing candy over healthier options like apples. Participants also ate more candy than those who hadn’t engaged in creative tasks.

“The main takeaway is that while creativity is highly valued in the workplace, we’re seeing that the creative process itself can disinhibit people, leading to less restrained choices afterward,” the researchers explain.

They attribute this behavior to the activation of a brain system that drives the pursuit of rewards. The wide-ranging, rule-breaking nature of creative thinking spills over into other decisions, making people more likely to indulge.

Reduced willpower

“After an afternoon of creative work, it’s not surprising that someone might overeat or have an extra drink. There’s a clear link between creativity and this kind of disinhibition,” the researchers say. For some, creativity can be mentally taxing, and when it’s time to make other choices, the effects of thinking expansively carry over, leading them to overindulge.

The study suggests that businesses should consider the downstream effects of creativity on employees’ health outside of work. “When you ask people to be creative, you’re not just getting ideas—you’re also triggering behaviors that we don’t fully understand yet,” the researchers warn. “This study shows there could be negative consequences, especially when it comes to health.”

While previous research has explored the darker side of creativity, this study reveals more subtle, overlooked side effects. The findings highlight the importance of considering the broader impact of creative work on employees’ psychological, behavioral, and even physical health.

As the researchers conclude, “Workplaces increasingly ask for creativity, and while we know that leads to innovative ideas, we’re also discovering a range of side effects. This research sheds light on some of those consequences.”