“Creative types” are a myth. It’s not because they don’t exist. It’s because we’re all creative. Some of us simply lose touch with our creative sides along the way. We don’t all have to be artists and writers, but there are benefits to taking up creative endeavours. They help us express ourselves, relieve stress and anxiety, and give us a sense of freedom. If it’s been a long time since you’ve doodled, painted, or written freely, you simply need to spark your creativity. Here are four ways to do so.
Put your phone away. Boredom or free time is great for getting creative, but we’ve gotten so used to taking out our phones whenever we have a free second. Try a digital detox for a few hours or a few days and see what happens.
Listen to or watch something creative. A documentary about an artist or chef or a TED talk by a creator can be a great way to inspire your own creative thoughts.
Go outside. Head out into nature for a walk or jog, or just to sit and reflect. Natural beauty and wildlife can help lift a creative fog.
Just do it. Set aside some time and grab a notebook and a pen, or watercolours and a canvas. Then dive in. Don’t think about what you’re going to write, sketch, or paint; just start and see what happens.
If you practice these techniques, you might be surprised at the creative juices that start to flow!