Feeling stuck? See what you need to do

You have a project to deliver and you don’t know what to do, or you need to be creative and the ideas just not coming to your head. On days that seem like you are totally uninspired or stuck in a creative rut, follow these simple steps.

Go for a walk

Researchers at Stanford have found that walking improves creativity by as much as 60%. They found that inspiration and creativity not only occur when out walking but also when you return to your desk.

Take a shower

Research also shows that there is a relationship between being relaxed and creative.According to Scott, 72% of people have new ideas while in the shower. Scott attributes the shower as an ideal place for creative thinking because –

“The relaxing, solitary, and non-judgmental shower environment may afford creative thinking by allowing the mind to wander freely, and causing people to be more open to their inner stream of consciousness and daydreams.”

Sleep well

The benefits of sleep on our productivity and creativity have been well documented. It helps improve our memory by solidifying memories.

How?

It clears information out of our temporary storage areas and processes information.

Tip – Keep a notepad and pen next to your bed in case you come up with ideas and solutions to the problems you are tackling.

Consume less coffee

Most people, when looking for external sources to help boost creativity, turn to coffee. While caffeine has many benefits, research shows it can undermine one’s creativity rather than stimulating it.

Why?

Because it leads to impulse judgments and energy that allows for unnaturally long work sessions, which interferes with the natural incubation periods required for creativity in individuals.

Exercise daily

Henry Thoreau claimed that he was able to think better when his legs were moving.Research studies seem to indicate that Thoreau was on to something. People who exercise on a regular basis were found to outperform those that didn’t.

So hit the gym, do yoga, go for a long walk or run, but be sure to make it a regular part of your daily routine.

Change your environment

At times a change in environment may be called for. Research seems to support the habits of people who break away from order, tradition, and convention. A messy desk, dim lighting and some ambient noise like that in a café can help boost creativity.

Why is this the case?

Because creativity comes from making connections and seeing patterns where others see chaos. So try creating a remix with a fresh pair of eyes or taking old ideas to new perspectives

Let me know what are your thoughts about this?