It’s the end of a long day, and as the sun begins to set through my studio window, I’m staring hopefully into my computer screen. Where music and sounds should be, there’s nothing, and nothing is coming to mind.
I sit there for 20 minutes tinkling with sounds on my piano, wishing something would land from the sky. Another 20 minutes pass, and I lean back into my chair and concede.
“I’m going to find some inspiration.”
I separate myself from my chair and head off on a walk to depressurise. No inspiration landed that night except to have a shower, read a little of Atomic Habits, and then go to sleep.
Perhaps that was the inspiration I needed.
The next day my thoughts shifted into ways of finding creativity, and here are the results. If this helps you discover creativity, then my uncreative blip may have accomplished something.
1. Take a break
When constantly working on something, it’s easy to lose focus. Take a break every once in a while and come back with fresh eyes.
Creativity can be a fickle mistress. She can be so demanding, so demanding of our time and energy. But sometimes, it’s important to remember that creativity is fluid- she doesn’t need as much from us as we might think.
Take lots of breaks. Permit yourself to step away from your work for a little bit. Maybe take a walk outside, or watch some funny videos on YouTube. Creativity flourishes when we’re relaxed and comfortable with our surroundings. Let creativity have her space, and she’ll reward you with beautiful new ideas.
2. Listen to new music
There are many ways to keep your creativity flowing. One way is to find and listen to new music. Finding music can be done in various ways, finding contemporary artists or checking out new playlists. Experiment with different music styles and mediums.
Music has several benefits, including helping to increase creativity and improving moods. Listening to music can also help improve focus and concentration and can even enhance recall abilities. Additionally, listening to music has been shown to increase feelings of well-being, which is why it is often used as an antidepressant or stress reliever.
3. Try writing (even if you think your writing sucks)
There are endless benefits to writing every day. Not only does it help you clear your head, but it also helps you stay creative. Keeping your thoughts and ideas organised in a journal allows you to access them when you need them quickly. Writing can lead to more productivity and originality in your work. Ultimately, writing is an invaluable tool for personal growth and development.
There are many benefits to writing every day. Some of the benefits include:
i) Keeping your brain active and engaged. Many people believe that if you keep your brain active, you’ll be less likely to suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease in the future. Writing allows you to use your imagination and develop new ideas.
ii) Improving your communication skills. You are forced to communicate your ideas clearly and concisely when you write. This helps improve your communication skills both orally and in writing. Additionally, you can better understand yourself by writing down your thoughts and feelings. This can help improve relationships and communication with others.
iii) Boosting your mood and stress relief. Writing can be a great way to relieve stress and improve your mood. Writing down what’s on your mind makes it easier to process and release the emotions built over time.
4. Drawing or painting (even if you think your drawing sucks)
There is no better way to keep your creativity flowing and improve your skills than drawing and painting. These activities have been around for centuries and are still enjoyed by many people today.
Drawing is a great way to capture the natural beauty around you, while painting can help you express your creative ideas. If you’re new to these activities, there are plenty of ways to get started. You can browse online galleries or take classes at local universities or art schools.
There’s no need to be afraid of failing — with enough practice, drawing and painting will become a part of your life that you enjoy sharing with others. So get started today — the results may surprise you!
5. Taking photos (even if you think your photos suck)
One of the best ways to keep your creativity flowing is to take daily photographs. Regular snapping will keep your photography skills sharp and help you document important moments in your life — happy or sad, exciting or mundane.
So get out there and start capturing the world around you with abandon!
6. Playing with toys
This sounds crazy if you are over 6, but playing with toys can be a great way to find creativity.
If you have children, try playing or building something with their lego or pushing a toy car around. Getting into this is more of a challenge than it sounds. Sometimes I make myself build something with my son’s lego; yes, the results are pretty awful next to my sons’ creations, but it allows me to explore my creative imagination.
You might find playing with toys can be a fun way to relax and de-stress.
7. Learn one new thing.
There is so much to be gained by learning something new every day. Whether it’s a new language, a new hobby, or a new skill, there is always something to be learned and something to be entertained by.
The more we learn, the more we can see the world around us differently and the more opportunity we have to grow.
It’s essential never to stop learning. Stay ahead of the curve and stay creative. So if you’re looking for ways to keep the creativity flowing, start by learning something new daily!
8. Take a walk
Creativity can be a fickle mistress, especially when struggling to maintain a consistent flow. But nothing can kill creativity more than stagnation.
That’s why taking regular walks outside is important and letting the fresh air inspire your thoughts.
Studies have shown that regular walks can help promote creativity, improve moods and even reduce stress. And it doesn’t have to be long walks either.
10–15 minutes is enough to feel the benefits. So go ahead and crank up the Spotify playlist and hit the streets — your creativity will thank you!
9. Spend time with family and friends.
Creativity cannot be created in a vacuum. It needs time to gestate, grow and blossom. This is why spending time with family and friends is so important. They can give you the support and encouragement you need to keep your creativity flowing.
You can also learn from their experiences and find new ways to approach your work. The connections you make with others are essential for your imagination to thrive.
Spending time with children can reset your brain and help you forget the roadblocks. While spending time with kids, you have no choice but to forget about the stuff you can’t do.
When you return to work, you might find a new thought drops in your head.
💡 Tip. If you don’t have children, offer to look after someone else’s. I’m sure they would appreciate it.
10. Keeping a positive attitude.
A positive attitude is essential to creativity. It allows you to be open to new ideas and helps you stay motivated when things get tough. Here are some ways to keep your attitude positive:
i) Set realistic goals. Don’t expect too much from yourself immediately, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Instead, focus on making a little progress each day.
ii). Be patient with yourself. Sometimes our best ideas come after we’ve spent a lot of time thinking about something else. Don’t be afraid to let them simmer for a while before getting back to them.
iii). Take time for yourself every day. Whether reading, walking or listening to music, allow yourself some quiet every once in a while.
iv) Celebrate the small wins and victories. We all have different capacities. It’s important not to compare yourself with others but to reflect on your day and pat yourself on the back for your accomplishments.
It’s not about how many pieces of art you create or how much money you make. It’s about the joy and satisfaction of making something that makes somebody else happy.
Remember to write down your journey. So when you look back, you can celebrate how far you have come.
