Creativity is an intimidating topic, isn’t it? Most people seem to think that they are not creative–which is really sad. You guys, everyone is creative in some way. Yes, everyone. Including you! We might not all be brilliant painters or poets, but we’ve all got something we do really, really well. And that’s the area of life where we’ll find out greatest creative achievements.
But the thing about creativity is that you’ve got to spend time nurturing it. Maybe that’s why most of us feel like we aren’t creative–we aren’t spending time practicing! Your creative juices might grow a little stagnant if you don’t keep ’em flowing, so you’ve got to practice regularly. Develop habits that make being creative easier–like these six daily ‘do’s for creative living:
Exercise
Move your body! There’s a lot of science behind this, but the basic idea is that exercise helps your brain function better. And a fully functional noggin is important for creativity. So go get sweaty!
Ask questions
Creative people don’t just accept the world as it is–they question everything. Little kids are experts at this, and they’re also highly creative. Don’t think that’s a coincidence! Ask at least ten questions every day about the world around you.
Spend time alone
Your mind needs time to mull things over, develop opinions and form ideas. Check out from real life for a while and explore your own inner monologue.
Spend time with others
At the same time, other people are a great source of energy and ideas. So don’t become a hermit–balance alone time with friend time and let yourself be mentally challenged.
Let your mind wander
Mental downtime is the best time for creativity–there’s a reason many people claim they have their best ideas in the shower. The next time you find yourself struggling to focus, stop fighting. Embrace the daydreams and see what happens!
Try new things
Our experiences inform our ideas, so the more experiences you have, the more ideas you’ll have. And new and novel activities spark our imaginations like no other–so be open to them!
Make these habits a priority, and you’ll feel your creative mojo getting stronger on the daily. Some things will work better for you than others, too, so experiment a little. Add new things and get rid of what isn’t working–and when you find something that really moves you, ride the wave! You ARE creative. Make developing those mental muscles a top to-do, and you’ll be amazed at the things your brain can do!
I love Kenzie and this is a great post! 🙂
nice, Kenzie! I really need to get on the whole exercise thing … 😉
I love this post, I hope you’re having a great time in Thailand and I might just have to follow these rules to lead a more creative life!
Really needed to read this today! Thank you for sharing 😀 It’s so simple but I loved the thought on asking questions.
Love this! Short and to the point and I definitely agree. As far as exercise, it’s the first thing I cut out when life gets crazy, and it’s the one thing that calms me down the best! Ironic, huh? Good reminder to take care of body and soul!
Such an inspiring post, thank you for introducing us to this wonderful lady! :]
I agree that it’s so important to question the world around you! Too often we merely accept things as they are without thinking too much into it- yet, so much creativity can stem from asking a simple question or finding a simple answer! Great post! 🙂
This is great advice! Another way that I am creative is in the kitchen. I love experimenting and have noticed that being in the kitchen allows me to ‘zone out’ or kinda meditate.
LOVE THIS!!!
Such simple advice. I feel like everyone knows this but it’s so wonderful to be reminded. Thank you! PS: I can’t WAIT to hear all about the elephants! They’re my absolute favorite. xoxo Mads
i know i’m late to the game responding to this but i love this post! there are so many ways that we can be creative we just have to DO!
Oh my gosh I wish elephants were in my agenda today. Add that schedule as a way to stay creative!