Simple Activities to Ignite Your Creativity

Lisa Franchi June 04, 2013

Do you wish you can make the ‘aha’ moment happen anytime you want? Whilst the best ideas seem to just pop in our heads during the most unexpected moments, it is possible to create them as frequently as we wish. Creativity is a skill which you can master over time. Here are simple activities that can help spark your imagination and set you into the ‘aha’ mode!

Clean your room.

If not, the entire house! Doing the housework to spark your creativity may sound so weird but sometimes, creativity sparks in the mundane. Your goal is to do something you don’t need to think much about. When your mind is not busy, ideas can perfectly flow.

Create a collage.

Gather some old magazines and newspapers and cut out pictures that resonate with you and create a collage. Doesn’t matter if it’s small or big – the most important is that it reflects your thoughts, dreams or aspirations.

Daydream.

They say if the mind is in a relaxed state, the subconscious take over. Simply stare in the window. Or lie on your bed, close your eyes and let your imagination soar. Whilst in front of your computer and thinking of the best way to start your blog, turn off the monitor for a while, lean back on your chair and stare at nothing. Let your consciousness leave for a moment and your subconscious take over.

Play like a child.

Do your favourite childhood activity. Whether it’s making paper dolls, creating a robot out of Lego pieces, or making a paper boat or airplane – enjoy it like you did when you were still a kid. Sometimes, the best ideas are made from the doing simplest things.

Get in touch.

Being an artist doesn’t mean having to seclude yourself from the world. Go out and socialise with other people. Invite a friend for a cup of coffee and talk about the old times, future plans, etc. Sometimes, the most random comment made from a small talk sparks the idea.

Go to a quite spot.

If the creative idea does not come out from socialising with others, go to a place where it’s quiet. Disconnect from your usual busy world. Drive to the nearest park and have sometime alone. Or do some nature tripping.

Take photos.

Get your camera – it doesn’t matter if it’s an expensive DSLR camera or just your mobile phone. Then, go out and take a walk. Susannah Conway, author of ‘This I Know: Notes on Unravelling the Heart’, suggests capturing images of red, yellow and green things you see. This activity lets you focus on the here and now and help you see ordinary things in a special perspective.

Write it down.

Great ideas come in random. Get a pen and paper and write down every word that comes to your head. Time yourself for maybe 10 or 15 minutes. Just don’t filter the thoughts – good or bad, write it down.

Feel inspired.

Watch a video of something or someone that inspires you most. Don’t feel like watching? Read motivational books or articles. Attend a workshop or seminar to boost your skills and knowledge on your chosen field. Whatever it is that inspires you – do it!

Be a spectator.

Go to a busy place, probably a park or cafeteria. Sit down and watch other people. Observe them and focus on their conversations. Write down whatever you pick up. You may find the idea you’ve been waiting from these people.

Cook a new dish.

Search the web for a recipe you haven’t tried before. Better yet, make your own version of it! This activity can get your creative juices flowing.

Create a dream advisory.

Imagine being with five people you look up to the most (dead or alive). Then, ask them a question to answer – probably the problem you’ve been trying to solve all this time. Then, write a letter to yourself providing an answer based on each of the advisor’s perspective. Try to think the way each of those people does.

Don’t think you are not creative because you are and you can! But creativity is something that just doesn’t pop out from nowhere. You have to train your mind to be as creative as it can be!

When working on a tough project, what do you usually do to boost your creativity? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Post a comment below.