We think people are gifted with a knack for creativity. On the other hand, creativity can be cultivated and developed through practising and experimenting. If each human being on this planet is unique, what makes you think we are not creatively blessed. One of the most significant blockers of creativity in your own life could be your own self-limiting beliefs. I thought to address this issue at the start of the blog is because people have already tagged themselves as non-creative. Suppose you really want to exercise your ability to be creative. In that case, you need to believe in your abilities, whichever level they may be at. Suppose you are familiar with the concept of the law of attraction. In that case, one of the critical elements of this process work is to believe in yourself.
The same goes with your creativity if you don’t believe it won’t work, or maybe this article will be of no use.
Before we jump into the list of tips to enhance your creativity, I am sure you would want to know why I even want to be creative. Even if I do not have any mental health issues generally. Here’s what researchers have to say
Why enhancing your creativity is essential?
Study author Nicholas Turiano from the University of Rochester medical centre says that the researchers found that only creativity -not intelligence or overall openness- decreased mortality risk. One possible reason creativity is protective of health is that it draws on various neural networks within the brain.
The brain is the command centre for all bodily functions. Exercising helps all systems to continue running smoothly. The studies show that creative persons live longer because they exercised their brains to keep it healthy. Turiano also adds that individuals high in creativity maintain the integrity of their neural networks even into old age. Creative people’s ability to handle stress is more efficient as they do not get easily flustered when faced with an emotional or physical hurdle.
Creative people may see stressors more as challenges they can work to overcome rather than as stressful obstacles they can’t overcome, says Turiano.
Below are 7 hand-picked tips to enhance your creativity in daily life.’
1. Remove time for your own creativity:
I can’t stress enough the importance of this point, which is why it’s number 1 for me. You can call it your ‘Me time’ or creative thinking time or whatever you wish to do passionately without looking for any external reward. Creating time and space for creativity or simply doing nothing wakes up the creative angel within us.
Alice Flaherty, one of the most renowned neuroscientists researching creativity, says,’ People vary in terms of their level of creative drive according to the activity of the dopamine pathways of the limbic system. According to research, dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is released when we do habitual tasks that make us feel good, like taking a warm shower, giving our mind a chance to wander and increasing our dopamine levels, enhancing our creative ability.
I firmly believe creativity loves slow living. Most of the creative projects came to my mind when my mind was relaxed and at peace, ready to assimilate all micro talents and make a creative piece of art simple yet so unique and so you. So never underestimate the value of this tip if you want creativity to flow naturally in your mind.
2. Be an Explorer:
Being a multi-passionate, I have always been curious enough to learn many things, even if it meant for a short period. Over a period, it has only broadened my creative thinking. If you are not an explorer yet, then become one. I promise you it won’t disappoint you. It will help you rethink a lot of possibilities. You can also enrol in activities or courses you resonate with like cartoonist, coding, digital illustrating, sand art, etc. Just listen to your heart and go wherever it takes you to explore.
3. Read Books :
Reading multiple genre books will not only stimulate your mind. It also expands your creativity through new ways of thinking. If you are not a book reader, you can also read some interesting articles or picture books. It can be anything you like related to your favourite hobby to your favourite sports. Just devote 30 mins a day to this activity. This will help you create your own unique perspectives as a creative thinker. It can also improve your problem solving ability in any field.
4. Change your surrounding:
They say you are sum total of 5 people you are around.Positive psychologist Mihaly csikszentmihalyi says that stimulating environment can facilitate creativity.Surrounding yourself with inspiring and motivating stories or people can enhance your creativity.I have experienced this my self lately with a group of colleagues formed accidently due to one of the trainings we enrolled into.This reminds me of famous quotes “ Your vibe attracts your tribe”. When you are in a stimulating environment it raises your vibrations and when you raise your vibrations you are at your highest creative capability.
5. Spend time with children:
Have you heard of the cliched sentence that often parents say that they are learning a lot of things from their kids? Kids are naturally super creative, enthusiastic, curious to know about everything, and constantly keep exploring their surroundings. They are always role-playing and telling stories from their own creative experience. Their constant curiosity leads them to keep asking various out-of-the-box questions which a rational human mind fails to exercise in their daily lives until the kids ask you something and you have a bulb on the moment.
6. Meet new people:
We all come from different backgrounds, surroundings, and lifestyles. We all have lived the same life but with different perspectives and solutions based on the circumstances. When you socialize or meet new people occasionally it gives you a real-life experience and perspective from a different human being which sometimes can switch on your creative thinking hat and influence you to take action on any new projects.
7. Make a creative Journal book:
Have you ever gone through this feeling where one of your colleagues comes up with a brilliant creative idea, only for you to realize you also once thought of the same idea, but never wrote it down and left it to be forgotten. We human beings naturally blessed with a creative mindset often take our ideas for granted when they pass from our own minds. Next time you have any simple idea, even if you feel not good enough to share just write it or maintain a small journal. When you put it on paper, you will save yourself from forgetting any precious ideas which you could have manifested in the future and also give you a sense of clarity on your interest, hobbies, or passions. Remember if you take your ideas for granted others will never come to know what you can be capable of.
I am sure these are not the only ways to enhance your creativity as I believe we all are unique and filled with new perspectives. If you really have any point to add to this from your own experience please feel free to share below. You never know your point will add value to other’s life.
If you believe in karma think of this as ‘Virtual Karma’.
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