“Once you have three of something, you’re a collector.”
(A popular rule of thumb)
According to Psychology Today, “The process of collecting activates a variety of brain networks that are vital to creativity…tying into the brain’s structured design for creativity.”
I’ve been a collector since childhood. I remember collecting toads as pets one summer. I made them a home in an old Lance Peanut jar from my neighbor’s gas station.
Over the years I’ve collected all sorts of things. And over the years I’ve let collections go when they didn’t suit me anymore.
Today my collections include books, Balleek china, chickens, bluebirds, Longaberger baskets, Golden Books, souvenir thimbles, tiny vintage animal vases made in Japan, cookbooks, art supplies, pottery from places I’ve visited, James Avery jewelry, and Hummel figurines.
Even my Pinterest collection and Home Screen on my iPad are a collection of everything I want to learn more about.
As I researched the brain I learned that collecting has cognitive, psychological, and neurological benefits.
Collecting cognitively stimulates the brain through things like planning, research, and categorization. It can contribute to learning and mastery of a subject of interest.
Psychologically it influences novelty which results in that hit of dopamine that emerges when you discover the perfect next piece for your collection. Sometimes the hunt and acquisition are more exciting than actually owning the treasure.
It also contributes to a need for control and structure, and is a way to express your individuality.
Neurologically, collecting ties into the pre-frontal cortex of the brain where decision making and impulse control reside. When there is dysfunction in this part of the brain it can cross over into compulsive hoarding.
Collecting gives a dopamine rush to the brain which is part of its reward pathways. Psychology Todaystates, “Your brain rewards you for novelty, especially novelty that matches your taste.”
I know for me I can walk through an antique shop or thrift store and nothing may catch my eye. But once something does I’m generally drawn back to it to decide if I want to keep it. It is pretty exciting when you find the perfect addition to your collection.
“If you’ve ever looked at a curio cabinet stuffed with antiques…and thought, ‘Yes, this is my aesthetic,’ you’ve experienced the brain’s creativity engine at work.” Psychology Today.
What do you enjoy collecting?
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