10 Ways to Spark Creativity

Creativity is an important skill to have, as it aids us in spicing up our relationships, our jobs, how we spend our downtime, and more. This skill can allow us to save important things like money or our friends from having a bad day or even the planet! When we are being creative, we generate original ideas, explore our imagination, produce alternatives, solve problems, and present new opportunities. So good for you for searching for ways to spark creativity!

Humans are inherently creative beings. I mean, look at what we’ve accomplished during our short stay on Earth so far! Many believe that our purpose is to create and leave a legacy of some kind behind when we are gone. When I look at each person in my life, I see creativity in everyone. I see mothers, some of the most creative entertainers, use the tools in their brains to make their child’s life full of imagination and wonder. I see my technical and linear-thinking little brother use innovation to build systems that allow him to be a successful fisherman and hunter. I see co-workers generate solutions to increase efficiency at work. I see caregivers solve their own hardships as well as the hardships of many others. I see you, too, and you’re just as imaginative and prolific as everyone else I know. 

The challenge of producing new ideas comes with bringing the creativity out of us. It’s definitely in there, I promise. We all lead busy lives, we all feel stress, and we all struggle to find time to think. And these unfortunes can bring death to our creativity. Sometimes we become stuck in a rut where new ideas are few and far between. When our imagination has lost its color and is looking rather black and white, there are steps we can take to paint our lives back into vivid imagery and find what sparks creativity. Here are 10 ways to spark creativity!

How to Be More Creative

Allow yourself to get bored.

I recently listened to a Ted Talk that preached how boredom can lead to brilliant ideas. When we give ourselves time to get bored, the wheels start to turn in our brains. Unfortunately, these days, we don’t often give our brains a break from stimulation. We are constantly glued to our screens, answering emails and text messages, scrolling through social media, or watching a video. We’re even scrolling while we wait in lines and while we’re on the toilet! Instead of filling the little spaces in your day with screen time, let your mind wander. Try to replace that habit of picking up the phone with accepting a moment of calm or boredom in your day. If you notice your mind starts to spin during a shower or when you lie down to go to sleep, then you have a great example of how ideas can be conjured when you give your brain a break.

Spend time in nature.

Immersing yourself in the natural world can have magical effects on creativity. Beauty is found in nature, and surrounding yourself with a beautiful environment sparks imagination. A study found that being in nature sparks curiosity and encourages flexibility in the way we think. It also helps us recharge our directed attention. I know when I’m feeling stagnant in the idea department, a walk outdoors and under trees works well as inspiration. Increase creativity with these nature activities that are wonderful for your mind.

Ensure you are getting enough rest.

During sleep, we retain memory and process emotions, and these actions enhance the function of our brains. When we prioritize rest and relaxation, our minds are more likely to have enough energy to produce new ideas. One of my favorite ways to give my mind a rest is to practice meditation.

Bounce ideas around with others.

Interact with people, like-minded or not, to bounce new ideas around. I like to do this by playing the question game. Bring a list of prompts to the table where everyone involved has to answer the question. This will surely get ideas rolling.

Spend time with children.

Here's how to boost creativity: spend time with creative kids! There is no one more imaginative than a child. Observe kids playing pretend to bring out your inner child, who is undoubtedly full of clever ideas. 

Have an input day.

If inspiration just isn’t there and you’re short on ideas, perhaps having what I call an input day is the right step. Instead of forcing ideas to come, absorb the works of other artists. Watch movies or Youtube or read books. Even people watching or bird watching could be a way to increase creativity.

Write!

Journaling about whatever comes to your mind might spark an idea. Make lists of any kind; gratitude, favorites, top 10 lists, etc. You could also research journal prompts to guide and boost your creativity.

Create a vision board.

Vision boards serve as inspiration and reminders of your goals. A visual example of your purpose or what fuels your motivation is a great way to get you into creative mode. 

Use your hands to create something through a different medium.

If ideas for one thing aren’t coming to you, perhaps they will for something else. Try something new by creating a different type of art, like photography, writing stories, woodworking, or baking. Let creative hands-on projects fuel your brain with innovation.

Change up your environment.

Sometimes a change in scenery is enough to spark an idea. Mix up your daily routine by giving yourself some new views. Work in a coffee shop or take your kids to a park while you brainstorm instead of following your usual schedule.

You are capable of giving yourself time to think and learn how to be more creative. When you have the time to let your brain do its thing, ideas will bloom.

Mental Health Blog Disclaimer

I am not a medical professional, therapist, or mental healthcare professional. The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only, comes from my own personal experiences, and may be read, interpreted, and practiced at your own risk. Do not rely on this information as a substitute to medical advice or treatment from a healthcare professional.