The meaning of the word ‘creativity’ is ‘the ability to produce or use original and unusual ideas’ or ‘to make something new or imaginative’, according to Cambridge Dictionary. When we were kids, it was normal to be creative all the time. We made up stories, made drawings for our relatives and we created other things with our hands.
When we become adults, getting creative is something we often forget. We use our creativity when we are working or doing chores in the house. But we mostly don’t have – or make – time to do something creative just for fun. But creativity is one of the things that makes us human. We were born to be creative. It even helps us to get better in our other tasks and to become more focused. And when we find something we like, we can really enjoy it. So it is also good for our health.
Hereby I would like to share ten ways to become more creative.
#1 Make some time to play
We all need time to play. It doesn’t have to be with our kids or our friends’ kids, we can also play as adults. Play a board game, play a ball game outside on the grass or go to a theme park. Everything is possible. Who told you to grow up? It keeps you young and healthy if you play and be curious as a child.
#2 Get some physical exercise
Exercise helps you to get out of your head and adopt a more creative mindset. Mostly I get new ideas when I am out for a walk or when I am at the gym. Usually when I force myself to be creative, it doesn’t work at all. Quite difficult for a writer. 😉
#3 Take some time to do nothing
Your brain also needs some time to get some space. As normally it is always busy with everything you do on a day. Even when you relax to read a book or listen to some music, your brain is still active. Creativity comes often after your brain has had some rest.
#4 Declutter your space
Declutter the space where you work. A clean and clear workspace keeps you focused.
#5 Just grab a pencil and start to doodle or draw
When you have a phone call or when you are stuck, make some time to just draw. Without any reason or purpose, just enjoy the creating process. It doesn’t have to be right or beautiful, just create something.
#6 Get inspired
Another way to get more creative is to get inspired by someone else. Listen to a podcast, watch a documentary, read a book or watch a TED Talk. It doesn’t always have to be from someone you admire, but also someone you don’t know. Maybe it will give you a new perspective.
#7 Start journaling
Write without any purpose, but just empty your mind. You can write about goals, your feelings, things you would like to improve or change. Just be free.
#8 Travel
When you travel, everything is new. You are forced to find your way in a new place, communicate with local people and try to taste different food. All these things will feed your creativity. Every new experience will help you to get out of your comfort zone and let you think out-of-the-box.
#9 Try a new hobby
Work with your hands, like most people did in the past. Make a watercolour painting, make some origami crane birds or start wood carving. The goal is not to make something beautiful, but to just enjoy the creating journey.
#10 Give yourself some space
Try new and different things. Don’t hold on too much about the things you always did. Don’t limit yourself by your perfectionism or ideas of how things are supposed to be. Just go with the flow. Creativity is also about making the impossible possible.
Jane Regina Sauer 