When we were children, our imaginations ran wild. Over the years, our creativity begins to slow down and it can be hard to get the creative juices flowing. Here are nine ways to spark your creativity to help over come those mental blocks.
1. Step out of your comfort zone
By traveling to new cities, visiting a museum, or trying new activities, we can step outside our comfort zone. These new experiences can inspire us through the people we meet or the things that we see. Try planning a weekend or afternoon trip to help inspire your creativity.
2. New perspectives
By placing yourself inside someone else’s point of view, we can challenge ourselves to think from a different perspective. Sometimes this can be hard for individuals to accomplish but a fresh perspective can lead to unique outcomes.
3. Exercise
When we exercise, our brains release endorphins that relax and clear the mind. In turn, this gives us the ability to think clearly on ideas that have perviously alluded us. People often enjoy running, walking, or bicycling, as a useful means of breaking mental blocks in the creative process.
4. Image search
The internet is full of inspiring images that can help spark ideas. By doing a quick search in Google Images, Tumblr, Dribbble, or Pinterest, you can find images and people for you to draw inspiration from.
5. Read a book
Stories are a great resource to get your imagination working. Books can take you on adventures to exotic far away lands and provide unique characters along the way. Poetry is another great literary resource, thick with adjectives and imagery to inspire you.
6. Use your sense of smell
Your sense of smell is often overlooked, as a source of inspiration. Odors and fragrances can help relax your mind but also invoke memories and experiences that allow you be more creative. Try placing some fragrances around your creative space to find out which smells inspire you.
7. Doodle
When we doodle, our pen moves without purpose. This gives our mind a chance to think freely. Doodling can often lead to interesting results that can be cultivated and refined into our creative endeavors.
8. Sleep
Creative people are often thought of as night owls. Though not always the case, sleep can have a direct impact on our cognitive abilities. Wether you are well-rested or sleep deprived, try changing up your sleep routine to alter your thought patterns and unleash new ideas.
9. Listen to new music
Music is also a great resource to draw inspiration from. The slow swell of a symphony or the fast pace of a drum can charge your creative battery and keep you motivated. Pandora or Spotify are wonderful resources to shake up your musical selection.
We are always excited to learn new ways to spark our creativity. Take a moment to share your tips and tricks on overcoming creative roadblocks in the comments.