by Madison Ann Baker: Everyone has faced a time when they felt uncreative. It’s stifling to want to create something but lack an outlet or ability to do so,
and it can take a toll on your health and happiness. Whether you have hit a rut at work, have a bad case of writer’s block, or feel that your daily life has become mundane, here are a few ways to beat boredom, reignite the passion inside your soul, and unleash your creativity:
- Identify your personality type. Every person is unique and handles a creative block in their own way. By identifying your personality type, you can better learn how stimulate your spirit and be strategic about your creative attempts. For instance, if you are an extroverted person, you would have better luck re-energizing yourself around others instead of by yourself.
- Go outside. Spending time in nature has many physical and mental health benefits, but the great outdoors can also boost your creative abilities. Next time you feel frustrated or stuck, try to get out of your head by going outside. Seek out the beauty of nature and let it inspire you as it has inspired countless people before you.
- Play. When was the last time you played? If it was during your childhood, it has been far too long. Many modern offices are encouraging employees to take time out of the day to play in an effort to boost creativity and productivityin their work. Taking time to play, whether with stimulating toys like Legos or a board game with others, can help give your mind the freedom it needs to think of something unexpected.
- Change your activity. If you work in the same medium every day, it’s all too easy to run out of ideas. To exercise your brain and engage your spirit, try something new. For instance, if you usually paint, go out and take photos instead. You don’t need to be an expert or invest in a fancy camera; simply take pictures of whatever inspires you on your phone. The objective here is to get out of your comfort zone and do something out of the ordinary. You may discover a new passion or find that perfect idea to work on in your preferred creative medium.
- Exercise. Exercising isn’t only beneficial for your physical and mental health — it can also have a profound impact on your creative faculties. Even going on a short walk can help you think of new ideas and solve problems. Next time you feel stuck, take a break from your work and move around for a while. You never know what kind of thoughts will emerge as you focus your energy on something else.
- Creativity is like a muscle: You have to use it regularly for it to grow stronger, and it will atrophy if left unused. Don’t judge and don’t destroy what you create; just relish in the pleasure of creation for creation’s sake.
- Take a Break. In a world that demands constant work, it can be easy to forget the importance of taking a break. If you force yourself to continue working when you need to step away and do something else, you will only overexert yourself and feel even more uninspired than before. Let yourself rest and relax. When you feel rejuvenated, you may actually be excited to return to your work.
Creativity may seem like a fair-weather friend, but it doesn’t have to be. Do your best to understand how creativity functions in your life, as well as the best ways to exercise and encourage it. Before long, you won’t be waiting for inspiration to strike; instead, your muse will come when you call.
Madison Ann Baker is a writer, Netflix-binger, and pop culture enthusiast who lives in Idaho. Literature and linguistics are her two passions, both of which she studied in college. She enjoys writing about animals and health and wellness, but dabbles in a little bit of everything. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her Labrador, Dash, and re-reading Harry Potter. Twitter:https://twitter.com/mabakerwrites Contently:https://mabakerwrites.contently.com/
