Art, obsession, and identity
Living the same routine every single day tends to inhibit creativity.
A simple break in that routine, such as cycling instead of walking to work, can help to refresh the mind.
Writing down your ideas will rid you of the fear you’re going to forget them, thus freeing your mind to come up with new ones.
The technique of "brain-dumping" is a great strategy for optimizing the creative outlet.
The deep conversations we have with those closest to us are great for creative thinking.
Why not take the time to have coffee with an old friend, or phone a loved one?
Research shows that listening to music stimulates the area of the brain responsible for motor actions, emotions, and creativity.
Classical music is thought to be the most creativity-boosting, but any genre will do if classical is not your cup of tea.
Asking for another person’s thoughts on a matter can refresh your perspective and generate a new mental pathway.
So, stop trying to come up with everything yourself and ask your friend what they think.
Meditation enhances divergent thinking, a state of mind that is conducive to coming up with new ideas.
So next time you’re stuck for new material, take a few minutes to meditate.
Studies have shown that thinking of something far away (in time or location) is conducive to improved problem-solving abilities.
Imagine yourself sipping cocktails on a tropical island and you may just come up with a solution to that nagging problem.
According to Carrie and Alton Barron, authors of ‘The Creativity Cure,’ writing by hand is better for creativity than using a computer.
So for your next project, try opting for a notebook instead of your Macbook.
Somewhat surprisingly, one study has shown that explaining something with two hands helps us to view situations from multiple perspectives.
Next time you’re telling a story, be sure to get those hands involved.
According to one study, moving your eyes back and forth boosts the interaction between the left and right sides of the brain.
It might look silly, but getting those eyes in gear may just give your creativity the boost it needs.
What better way to get those creative juices flowing than to spend a few minutes horizontal?
According to some studies, being in a good mood increases the likeliness of creativity.
Even if you’re not feeling particularly cheery, busting out a laugh will in itself enhance your mood.
According to the Barrons, exercise loosens the body and frees the mind.
It also improves your mood, which is double the creativity-boosting effects.
Spending time in the great outdoors is brilliant for creativity.
Simply taking a 10-minute stroll will stimulate those senses and help you to access your creative genius.
Sleep allows the mind to process the day’s experiences and shed new light on them.
If it’s not time for bed, a short nap will also work wonders for your perspective.
Few people consider themselves creative, preferring to believe they are academics or scientists rather than artists. The truth is, however, that everyone has creative potential and that creativity is like a muscle—it can be strengthened with use, and it constantly wants to be flexed. What's more, creativity is not just the task of artists, writers, and musicians, but is a necessary component to all fields of work, relationships, and life at large.
Curious? Check out this gallery to discover some of the easy ways to optimize your creativity.
15 fascinating ways to boost creativity
Are you creative enough?
LIFESTYLE Wellbeing
Few people consider themselves creative, preferring to believe they are academics or scientists rather than artists. The truth is, however, that everyone has creative potential and that creativity is like a muscle—it can be strengthened with use, and it constantly wants to be flexed. What's more, creativity is not just the task of artists, writers, and musicians, but is a necessary component to all fields of work, relationships, and life at large.
Curious? Check out this gallery to discover some of the easy ways to optimize your creativity.