Need a creative boost? Take a quick walk outside!
As the weather gets cooler and cooler in the northern part of the country, many find themselves struggling to find the energy to be creative. After all, it’s much easier to cozy up on the couch with some hot tea than to push yourself to complete all of those creative projects you’ve been working on. Still, with events like National Novel Writing Month just around the corner, it’s nice to store up some ideas for boosting one’s creativity. Here are some tips to get started:
Carve out a space to be creative. Whether it’s sitting alone in a coffee shop where there is subtle background noise, or designating a room in your apartment to advance your creativity, it’s important to establish a space in which you feel inspired. Live in a small apartment? Even just creating a “creativity nook” by the bookcase or in the kitchen can make a huge difference!
Listen to music. According to Greatist’s Shana Lebowitz, “Jamming out stimulates the part of our brain that controls motor actions, emotions, and creativity,” of the power music has to inspire us. Some have speculated that classical music provides the greatest boost of creativity, calling this phenomenon “The Mozart Effect.”
Embrace laughter. Lebowitz explains that “A positive mood can facilitate creativity because it boosts activity in the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex (areas of the brain associated with complex cognition, decision-making, and emotion.” Being able to get a little silly or feel light-hearted is not only good for your health and overall positivity, it’s great for boosting creativity too!
Photo: John Kochmanski via Flickr CC
Spend time outside. Staying active by talking brisk walks, a bike ride, or even just a leisurely stroll outdoors is beneficial for two reasons: it gets you moving, and it allows you to spend time outside, both of which are great for your health and creativity. When a person is being physically active, the mind is in a position to be a little less preoccupied with stress and worry. Combine this with the beauty of the outdoors where imaginations are easily stimulated, and you’ve got the perfect way to boost your creativity!
Don’t underestimate the power of sleep. A good night’s rest is a wondrous thing, and is great for helping people recharge and refocus their creative efforts. Explains Lebowitz, “Sleep restructures new memory representations, meaning we think about experiences in new ways.” She also explains that taking a power nap here and there can also be very beneficial because doing so stimulates right brain activity, and thus sparks creativity.
What tips do you have for boosting creativity?