Many of us have experienced moments when we could not finish a task, had writer’s block or ran out of motivation. Some people are fortunate enough to produce several creative ideas, while others struggle to complete one project.
So what can you do to boost creativity? I have compiled a list of tips that help me when I am low on ideas. Some suggestions were discovered through my own life experiences, while other information comes from the research and advice from professionals I admire in the creative industry.
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
― Maya Angelou
How to Boost Creativity
Keep a Journal
Journaling is a great way to record and process your thoughts. In addition, it reduces stress by helping you recognize your emotions.
I keep a brain dump journal. Brain dumping is writing down thoughts that come to mind without worrying about revisions or making errors. This writing method helps me organize, set goals, and better understand my feelings.
Read
What better way to find inspiration than by reading the work of other successful people? Books, articles, blog posts, and magazines are great resources for creativity and imagination. Reading is also known to increase knowledge, reduce stress, and improve brain function.
Go for a Walk
A study by Stanford researchers found that walking boosts creative inspiration. Researchers compared people’s creative input when they are sitting with when they are walking and saw that walking increased creativity by an average of 60%.
Take a Break
You may have been staring at the same project or paper for hours with little results. This moment is the best time to regroup for a couple of hours.
Taking mental breaks can help you focus on your tasks and generate your best work. Even taking something as simple as a 90-minute nap can help boost creativity.
Listen to Music
Research has shown that listening to certain types of music can lower anxiety, improve moods, and relieve stress. Use music as a source of inspiration to help your mind relax and regroup.
Connect and Collaborate
Talk to other creative people to find inspiration for your projects. Discussing plans with others can help you gain a unique perspective. As a result, you may end up picking up new skills as well as new ideas.
Don’t be Afraid of Failure
Failing is sometimes just a part of the creative process. You will make mistakes, and not everyone will love what you do. The most important thing is learning from errors and using those lessons as motivation to improve your work.
Change of Scenery
Working in the same room every day can sometimes stifle creativity. It is hard to find inspiration and fresh ideas when constantly staring at the same blank walls each day.
Two places I enjoy visiting are bookstores and libraries. They often have lots of chairs and tables where you can sit and work in a peaceful and inspirational environment. I can’t tell you how many new ideas I come up with while working somewhere else outside of my usual home office space. This revelation leads me to believe that maybe a change of scenery a few days out of the month would help me and many others feel more inspired.
I believe that every person has creative abilities. However, while some have it naturally, others may need help improving their creative instincts. There is so much fulfillment and satisfaction in completing an idea or design.
The tips mentioned above are just a few actions I take to help increase creativity. What is some advice that you would give a person who is struggling to come up with new ideas? Share your thoughts.
I love this. Just started up my journal again and I’m taking more walks. So so helpful to get outside your head for just a few minutes.