75 WAYS TO EXERCISE CREATIVITY

Creativity is the very fiber of progression. We need it to solve problems, create new products and blog posts and to constantly produce growth.

Creativity can be hard to come by.  Even if you are born bursting with new ideas, it can be hard to maintain a sustainable level of creativity. For those who are not creative in the traditional sense (artistically), it is even more difficult. Creativity is something that has the ability to make us happier and healthier but a lot of times, we have so many inhibitions that prevent us from exercising our creative side. As children we were much more likely to think outside the box. We were learning the world, so we saw that a bunch of tree trunks could be fashioned in a “boat.” We knew that our imaginations could take us through the seven seas.  (My sister and I really did this!) Children don’t have the same inhibitions we do. They don’t care what people will think about things so no idea is rejected.

Thinking outside of the box is a great way to effectively solve problems everyday, whether they be artistic or analytical. This awesome list will give you 25 things to do, 25 things to write, and 25 things to learn to help spark your creativity.

25 THINGS TO DO

Sometimes, you just need to get moving when you are feeling a lack of creativity. Effective problem solving sometimes means taking a step away from the thing you are trying to resolve and getting out of your head. Finding something creative to occupy your time can even lead you to not only solve the problem at hand, but to also come up with totally new ideas. Some of these activities are individual with a few group ideas.

1. Read a book
2. Visit local shops and art galleries
3. Color
4. Go to an arbitrary section in the library
5. Crossword puzzle
6. Rearrange your space
7. Go for a run
8. Jigsaw puzzle
9. Go to an art museum
10. Go to a park
11. Go to a science museum
12. Listen to music
13. Cloud Watching
14. Star Gazing
15. Play Mad Gab
16. Or Scattegories
17. Or Pictionary
18. Repurpose an unused item.
19. Take photos (non-selfies).
20. Try a new type of food.
21. New exercise class
22. Go to a play at a community theater
23. Jump on Trampoline
24. Get on Groupon. Pick something at random
25. Free or cheap concert for local artist

25 THINGS TO WRITE

Generally speaking, I would encourage you to start journaling. It will help to free up your thoughts so that you will have a greater ability to create or intuitively solve problems. Since writing is analytical and rational, your creative side of the brain in now free to, well create! This article from Psych Central says:

“In sum, writing removes mental blocks and allows you to use all of your brainpower to better understand yourself, others and the world around you.”

Journaling will help you to develop a greater self awareness and you will be better equipped to be a more well rounded individual. Since it increases self trust and provides insight, you will be more confident with the ideas you come up with. I know journaling can be daunting if you are not used to it so try these fun writing prompts to get your brain flowing and then you can start journaling about your life daily or weekly!

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1. A Bucket List
2. Free Write
3. An alternative ending to your favorite story
4. Make up a character. Describe him/her/it.
5. Pick your 3 Favorite Foods. Invent a recipe using them.
6. Doodle (Ok, technically not writing, but go with it!)
7. Describe in detail someone close to you
8. Write about your favorite food. Describe in great detail
9. A song about
10. Describe yourself. Use only movie titles
11. A Haiku
12. A Limerick
13. Instructions on making a PB&J
14. Describe your dream vacation
15. Invent a game. Write the instructions.
16. A letter to historical figure
17. A letter to your future self
18. A letter to your future (or current child)
19. A letter to someone who inspires you
20. Make up a word. Write the definition
21. Finish this: "I wish that..."
22. Pretend you are a government spy. Next mission?
23. 10 random things you like
24. Your dream “to do” list, if you had the ability to do anything in one day.
25. Describe the current weather condition and how it makes you feel.

25 THINGS TO LEARN

When you force your brain to do something new, you can activate your creative side as your brain tries to cope with new information. Doing the exact same thing every day can be stifling, so when it is time to exercise creativity, you may find yourself in a rut. We can become creatures of habit and remain in our own comfort zone rather than exploring new possibilities.

Imagine how you feel when you accomplish something. You are more confident, and you began to trust yourself a bit more. When it comes time to being creative, new ideas may not be dismissed as easily because you are more willing to explore. Some of the ideas suggested will be valuable life skills and some will just give you the opportunity to expand your mind a little.

1. Facts about a new place
2. A new word. Use it in three sentences
3. A new recipe
4. How to make a GIF image
5. How to knit
6. Take a painting class
7. A new language
8. How to hand hem pants
9. Take a drawing class
10. Sew on a button
11. How to poach an egg
12. How to crochet
13. Take a glass blowing class
14. How to do the jive (I mean come on, so fun right!?)
15. Archery
16. How to play chess
17. Take a photography class
18. Fencing
19. How to grow an herb garden
20. How to build a fire
21. How to care for your favorite plant. Then go get one.
22. How to make laundry detergent
23. How to draw a cartoon
24. Visit I Spy DIY and pick a project
25. Current events

What are you most excited about trying from this list? Do you have any ways that you exercise your own creativity? I would love to hear from you in the comments!

Make sure to pin the Image below for reference!