8 Ways of Boosting Your Creativity

Have you been in a blackhole lately in terms of your creative process?

Do you find it difficult to find inspiration to start writing that poem? Or channeling that inner Monet in your painting?

Many people may perceive artists as people with overflowing sense of creativity but in reality, they are just normal human beings who get tired and uninspired.

I used to feel so down whenever I’m unable to produce any creative output. It causes me to second think my abilities and to keep wondering how I could be so unmotivated to do something I love.

If you are experiencing this right now, don’t worry — it’s a normal phase.

After a while, I realized that there is no point in beating myself up and trying to force out ideas and concepts right away, and expect myself to continuously have them.

To fellow writers and other artists out there, amidst the current crisis, we can help each other get that spark back and improve our creativity.

Here are 8 ways to get those creative muscles working again:

1. Relax and Meditate

Again, there is no point in pushing yourself to start or finish a creative output. Taking a break by doing simple activities like taking a long hot shower or drinking a cup of tea can help you relax and rejuvenate your mind.

Engaging in self-meditation can help open yourself to more creative thoughts and new ideas.

2. Keep a Journal

Random ideas can pop out of nowhere. Writing them down on a journal will ensure that no creative idea is lost.

Aside from creative ideas, your journal can be an effective medium for expressing your emotions. A clearer mind can push distractions away from your creative pursuit.

3. Try Something New

Doing new things can stimulate your mind and create new thinking patterns. Listening to new music, redecorating your room or just incorporating small changes to your routine can provide a refreshing start and make way for new creative approaches to your work.

4. Engage in Physical Activity

Find an exercise routine fit for you.

Engaging yourself in any physical activity such as yoga, running, cycling, dancing or simply walking can clear up the brain fog and help you become more focused and motivated.

5. Read a novel

Reading is always rewarding.

Novels are capable of stirring up your imagination through their turning plots and characters. This can help you form new links between people, things, facts and ideas to exercise your mind and get back on the creative lane.

6. Ask for feedback

We don’t always have the answer to everything. Consulting other people for feedback or advice such as your friends, family or personal network can offer fresh perspectives to your creative work.

Talking to people outside of your niche can spark up a new thinking that might just be what you need.

7. Stay curious

Curiosity breeds creativity.

Sometimes those odd facts you read randomly or watched online can be a source of inspiration or a useful creative input. Engage yourself in learning new things to potentially unfold ideas and gain that creativity boost.

8. Disconnect

Sometimes the only way to get back on track is to shut yourself down. Lie in bed or get some sleep.

Do nothing.

Let your mind take a break from any external stimuli like social media and watch the ideas flow freely afterwards.