10 Mindful Ways to Spark Creativity

Did you make a creative New Year’s resolution this year? Maybe you want to write a book, start a podcast series, form a folk band, or create delicious new recipes. No matter what your goal is, you’ll need to boost your creativity to complete your innovative resolutions. With the right mindful steps, you can spark your creativity and finish your creative projects.

When we were kids creativity came naturally to us, but as we have gotten older it’s more difficult. If you sit around and wait for inspiration to come to you you’ll waste valuable time.

Listed below are 10 mindful ways to spark your creativity

Taking a shower or bath

 This is an old classic. The best ideas always seem to come when we’re in the shower or bath. In fact, one study found that 72 percent of people experience new ideas in the shower. That’s because the shower is the perfect place for you to let your mind wander free of judgment. If you’re creatively stuck take a quick shower or bath.

Play music

Music is a powerful thing—it affects our physical and spiritual health and reduces stress. Listening to music can get your creative juices following. So, when you’re stuck, play an old favorite album or play a fun playlist.

Take a walk in nature

 Walking through nature and enjoying the fresh air, the sights, and the sounds is a form of ecotherapy. Ecotherapy can boost your self-esteem and your mood. So, take a walk through the park the next time you’re feeling discouraged about your work.

Exercise

If you lack the energy or motivation to work on your creative project take out your running shoes and head to the gym. Exercising can reduce your stress and give you an endorphin rush, which can be useful for completing your project.

Seek backup

 The people you surround yourself with have a major influence on life. So, surrounding yourself with other creative people can give you the motivation to accomplish your creative goal. You can hold each other accountable and offer each other support.

Stay curious

Curiosity feeds your creativity. Be like a child again and ask questions about everything. Gain knowledge by reading everything you can. Listen to educational podcasts like TedTalks or read the wise words of your creative role model (such as quotes or autobiographies).

Practice daily

Make your creative project a daily habit. Do something to achieve your resolution every day, even if it’s something small. Write just one line of music or finish just a few stitches of that quilt. Every step you make to complete your project, no matter how small, is valuable.

Try something new

 Broaden your horizons and open your mind by trying something new. Learn a new skill, go to a new restaurant, or go on a new excursion. Your new experiences may give you your next big idea.

Eat the right foods

 Can you eat your way to creativity? Perhaps. Some research suggests that eating foods rich in tyrosine can improve your ability to think deeply. You can find tyrosine in bananas, peaches, and almonds. Past research also shows that dark chocolate can increase blood flow in the brain for two to three hours. So when you need a fresh idea, consider eating certain fruit and dark chocolate.

Take a nap

If all of these solutions fail it may be time for a nap. Sleep is rejuvenating and it can improve your memory and boost your mood. Strive for a 20-to-25-minute nap for a quick reboot. Once you wake up take another whack at your project.