There’s always going to come a time where your creativity runs dry. You might be feeling uninspired and
unmotivated, making it difficult to complete a project. When this lack of creativity hits, there is something you can do to combat it.
If you’re looking to find how to be more creative, try these 7 exercises you can do just about anywhere to help get you out of your rut.
1. Add limitations to your project
When you hear the word “limitations” it sounds like the opposite of freeing. However, by adding limitations to your project can really make you become more creative and freer. By simply adding a limitation of a shorter word count for an article, painting with fewer colors, etc. you will find that you mind works to find solutions to complete the task at hand.
2. Try a writing prompt
A short writing prompt can be all it takes for you to get your creative juices flowing again. Oftentimes, they are just a few words or a couple of sentences. By be descriptive and imaginative you can take someone’s quick thought and build it into something grand and beautiful.
3. Look at things from a new perspective
You’ve probably heard this one before, but there’s a reason. By taking the time to look at a situation
from another’s perspective, you can really come to terms with how that person is feeling or acting. This, of course can be applied to work as well.
If you’re writing dialogue for a character in a novel, try zeroing on that character’s mind and feelings. If they’re based off someone you know, try connecting with that person and seeing how they approach similar situations to get you back on the right track.
4. Exercise, exercise, exercise!
Studies have shown that some of our best and most creative ideas come to light when we’re at our most tired. This is because our minds are less focused when we are tired. So naturally, a good way to encourage this, is to work out. By getting out for a run, walk, swim or whatever your favorite physical activity is, you’ll let you mind be less focused and more creative.
5. Morning meditation
Meditation has been known to be a useful tool for an array of areas. It probably comes as no surprise that creativity is one of those areas. It allows you to calm and quiet your mind which leads to a less focused brain. This is a great way to start your day, even if you can only squeeze in a few minutes you’ll find that you are ready to start the day with a more creative headspace.
6. Use tiny and tight deadlines
Take the project you’re currently working on (and possible struggling with) and break it down into the tiniest increments you can. From there, set tight deadlines and hold yourself accountable for them. For instance, say you’re writing a news article, to break this task down, tell yourself that you’re going to 100 words every ten minutes.
7. Throw your typical process out
By trying a different process, your forcing your mind to work in a different way. For instance, instead of staring at a computer waiting for inspiration to strike, try busting some old school pen and paper and try writing there instead. If you’re struggling for words, try drawing instead. Let you mind unwind and creativity take the wheel. If you find that you’re just too focused on other tasks or projects you need to complete, write it all out to let it free up space in your mind.
Creativity ruts happen to all of us. Whether it’s starting a new project or scrambling to meet a deadline, there will come a time that we need to find some inspiration to get us through. No matter where you happen to be, these seven exercises can help you get back to your most productive self in no time.
