Creativity is an invaluable skill that can assist in solving problems, sparking ideas and stimulating innovation. Yet it may not be intuitively obvious when or how to utilize creativity in daily life.
If you're a writer, painter, musician or other creative professional it's essential to understand when and how to utilize your artistic abilities. While it may not always be possible to anticipate when an idea will hit you, understanding when you are most productive and working around that time can help maximize your productivity levels.
1. Be in a Good Mood Before Beginning Creative Projects
Studies suggest that having a positive outlook can enhance creativity. A study from the University of Western Ontario revealed that individuals who were feeling upbeat when confronting difficult tasks tended to be more flexible yet cautious in their problem solving tactics.
All creative people enjoy daydreaming, which is when we take a break from reality and visualize something that may be impossible or unlikely in real life. This can be an excellent way to open up the mind and let creativity flow, so if you often find yourself stuck in creative ruts it might be worth giving this practice a shot.
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a great way to generate new ideas. Additionally, it provides you with an opportunity to step back and examine them from an objective viewpoint.
Exercising can make you feel less anxious and focused, which could give you the energy to come up with creative ideas. Exercise especially when feeling fatigued or overwhelmed as it releases endorphins that aid in focus on tasks at hand.
One of the best ways to stimulate creativity is having an organized schedule for work. Many writers set aside specific times each day that they dedicate exclusively to writing. Doing this helps you get into the habit of using specific parts of your brain related to that piece of work, which then sparks other parts of the mind's creativity.
In addition to the sleep advantages, taking naps can also promote creative thinking. Some of history's greatest minds, such as Albert Einstein, would often take naps in the afternoon to keep their creative juices flowing.
Sometimes the best ideas come from being in a new environment, so why not experiment with altering your routine to see what results you can get. This could include switching up coffee/tea times, working from another location or scheduling a short break during your busy day to go for a walk.
When stuck in a creative rut, try imitating someone else's style for inspiration. This could mean using different fonts or even adopting an author whose writing you admire.