Sparking Creativity On Demand

As a society, we applaud creative people and the creative process. Being creative on demand can be a difficult task, but it can be mastered. Here are some tips to get your creative juices flowing.

Exercise—You’ve heard it many times before but it’s true: physical exercise not only enhances your mood it also boosts creativity. So when writer’s block sets in, take a walk around the block.

Take Notes—Take this tip from Rush musician Neal Peart who writes ideas down when they come to him. “Anytime I have an idea, I’ll make sure that I put it down so that when we do sit down to write an album, I don’t have to dream it all out of thin air. I don’t have to be creative on the spur of the moment, or spontaneously artistic. I just take advantage of whenever creativity strikes.”

Act Like a Child—Want to be as creative as a child, then act like one. Try blowing some bubbles, picking up a hula-hoop or dressing up. Chances are if you mix up your routine you will look at things from a different perspective, which will ultimately spark the creative process.

Meditate: Creativity needs the silence of “non-thinking,” notes Christopher M. Knight, and that you quiet the chattering mind. To do so, sit in silence, meditate or practice yoga regularly.

Still craving some additional pointers? Check out this creativity-themed reading list below.

The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

The Writing Life by Annie Dillard

How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day by Michael J. Gelb

Creative Thinkering: Putting Your Imagination to Work by Michael Michalko

The Accidental Creative: How to Be Brilliant at a Moment’s Notice by Todd Henry