Creativity is a difficult thing to explain. It’s often described as “thinking outside the box,” but what does that mean, exactly? And why is it that some people seem to be more creative than others? Creativity is often thought of as a talent that only a select few possess, but the truth is that everyone is capable of being creative. The problem is that creativity doesn’t always come easy. Just like anything else, it takes practice and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
One of the most frustrating things about creativity is that it often seems to come in fits and starts. You might have a great idea one day, but the next day you can’t seem to come up with anything at all. This phenomenon is known as “creative block,” and it’s something that all creators experience from time to time. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to overcome creative block. Some people find that isolating themselves from others helps them to focus on their own ideas. Others find that drinking alcohol or taking naps helps them to relax and let their creativity flow. And still, others find that simply daydreaming more often gives them the space they need to come up with new and innovative ideas.
There is no one way to get rid of creative blocks. Some people may respond well to one thing, while others may not. The best method is to try different techniques until you find the one that works best for you. Creativity requires continual practice to stay sharp. So don’t give up if you get stuck next time–try something new and see what happens! You might be surprised at your own potential.
Here are ten methods for how to recharge your batteries as a creative person:
1. Turn the television off
Although it may be a source of comfort and relaxation, watching television can actually have a negative impact on our ability to think creatively. A study conducted by the University of Texas found that adults who watched television for more than three hours per day were less likely to engage in what the researchers called “divergent thinking” – an important component of creativity.
Furthermore, the study found that those who watched television were also more likely to think in a linear, systematic fashion, rather than thinking outside the box. While there are certainly some benefits to watching television, it is important to be mindful of the potential downside. If you are looking to jump-start your creative thinking, it may be best to turn off the TV and find another activity that better suits your needs.
2. Write by hand to improve your creativity and productivity.
In today’s digital age, it’s easy to do everything from our computers or phones – even something as simple as writing. However, research shows that when we take the time to write something down with a pen and paper, it creates a sense of importance and solidity that typing on a keyboard doesn’t provide. Additionally, handwriting has been shown to improve brainpower.
Virginia Berninger, a professor of educational psychology at the University of Washington, explains that writing by hand jumpstarts the part of the brain responsible for thinking and working memory – both essential functions for creative thought. So next time you need to jot something down, consider reaching for a pen and paper instead of your computer. You just might be surprised at how much better it makes you feel – and how much smarter it makes you look.
3. Take a break and laugh by watching something humorous.
According to a recent study, laughter may be the best medicine when it comes to improving creativity. The study found that people who watch something short and funny are more likely to come up with creative solutions to problems than those who don’t. So if you’re feeling stuck creatively, try watching a funny TV show or movie. It may just help boost your mood and enable you to think more clearly. While anxiety may help with focus, humor is what will get those creative juices flowing again.
4. Cleanse your body.
A hot shower is one of the most relaxing activities possible. Almost everyone with creative ability will tell you that they perform best when their mind and body are unclenched. A shower, on the other hand, is a fairly mindless activity that allows your mind to wander into creative territory. In fact, some of the most famous ideas and breakthroughs have come to people in the shower. The combination of hot water and solitude seems to be a recipe for creativity. So if you’re ever feeling stuck, try taking a shower. You just might find that the solution to your problem is waiting for you under the stream of hot water.
5. Take a rest.
The ability to sleep is perhaps the most essential creative hack of them all. Sleep is when the brain essentially reorganizes and retools for what lies ahead; this process is known as consolidation, and it activates the brain’s neural networks responsible for new connections and association formation.
We often hear that sleep is important for the creative process, but it becomes even more valuable when we’re close to finding an answer to a problem. By waiting a day and allowing the brain’s automatic consolidation process to work, we increase the chances of these answers coming to us. The key is to not force things; if we can let go of our need for immediate answers and trust that the process will work, we’ll be surprised at how often those solutions come to us in our sleep.
6. Get some fresh air.
Although it might seem counterintuitive, being outdoors can actually help to increase your energy levels. According to research, exposure to natural light helps to regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle, which can improve alertness and focus. In addition, being in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote feelings of well-being. So if you’re feeling tired, take a break from work or school and go for a walk outside. You might just find that a little fresh air is all you need to re-energize yourself.
7. Relax and take a break by listening to your favorite tunes.
It’s no secret that music can be a powerful source of inspiration, but did you know that it can also help to boost creativity? Numerous studies have shown that listening to music can increase cognitive flexibility, improve problem-solving ability, and promote divergent thinking – all of which are essential for creative thinking.
And while any type of music can provide these benefits, some genres are more effective than others. For instance, classical music has been shown to be particularly helpful in promoting creativity and abstraction. So if you’re feeling stuck, try putting on your favorite classical album and see where the music takes you. Alternatively, jazz has been shown to encourage risk-taking and non-linear thinking – two more key ingredients for creativity. So if you’re looking to push your boundaries and come up with some truly original ideas, give jazz a try. Whatever genre you choose, there’s no doubt that listening to music can help to spark your creative side.
8. Take a digital detox.
In today’s digitized world, it’s easy to feel like we’re always connected to our devices and the online world. While there are many benefits to this constant connectivity, it can also be taxing on our minds and bodies. If you’re feeling burnt out from looking at screens all day, it might be time to take a digital detox. disconnecting from your devices and the internet can help you to relax and recharge. Spend some time offline doing something that you enjoy, such as reading, spending time in nature, or taking up a new hobby. You may find that you feel more refreshed and energized after some time away from screens. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by the digital world, consider taking a break and disconnecting for a while.
9. Doodle or doodle-planning.
Brainstorming new ideas and planning upcoming projects are two of the many things that artsy people love to do with their time. Putting pen to paper is an activity that allows them to tap into their creative side and explore the possibilities for new art projects. It also helps them to organize their thoughts and develop a plan of action for completing those projects. Brainstorming sessions can be done alone or with a group, and they often result in a number of different ideas that can be pursued. Once an idea has been selected, artsy folks will typically spend some time planning out the steps they need to take to bring it to fruition. This may include sketching out a design, gathering supplies, or researching techniques. No matter what the project entails, taking the time to brainstorm and plan is essential for ensuring its success.
10. Connect with like-minded individuals
One of the best ways to find mental and emotional rejuvenation is to socialize with people who share your interests. When you spend time talking with others who understand your passions, you can both commiserate about problems and celebrate successes. In addition, you can bounce ideas off one another, which can help generate new perspectives. When you invest time in these types of relationships, you not only recharge your batteries, but you also gain invaluable insight and support. So the next time you’re feeling run down, consider reaching out to a friend or colleague with similar interests. Chances are, they’ll be more than happy to chat.
Trying new things!
Ultimately, there is no go-to answer for a creative block that will work for everyone. What one person may find helpful could be entirely different from what works for someone else. The key is to try different things and see what sticks with you. Creativity ebbs and flows like anything else; if you want to maintain your artistic abilities, it’s important to use them regularly. Experimentation is the key to success, so don’t give up the next time you feel stuck. Just try something new and see what happens. You never know what you might be capable of until you try. And if all else fails, there are plenty of ways to jumpstart your creativity again. We hope these tips have helped inspire you! Check back on our blog for more great tips in the future. Thanks for reading!