6 WAYS TO SPARK CREATIVITY

Are you a creative type? If you are, then we’d probably be great friends! I’ve been creative all of my life in one way or another. I love making all types of things from crafts to designs for my creative business. But since having kids, it’s tough to keep that creativity flowing in the world of school drop-offs, fetching snacks all day or daily housework.

Whatever creative type you are, whether you work at home for freelance or just want to take some time to get inspired to pick new paint colors for your living room, I have some tips for you. I’ve put together a list of ways that I use to spark a little creativity in my busy everyday life. The next time you’re feeling stuck, try one of these tips that are sure to help!

Get out in nature.

I know my mind instantly starts wandering and dreaming when I can get outside of the house and into the world. Maybe you can get out for a bike ride or hit a local nature trail for a walk. If you don’t have kids in tow then whoohoo!…enjoy the break of silence, but if you have the kids with you, you can still make this one work.

Head to your local park or playground. Take in the fresh air and try to take a few minutes to look around and examine the beauty around you. Ask your kids what they see or spot things you see that interests you to show them. The beautiful shape of trees, the colorful blue sky, the architecture of of some nearby buildings…the outside world can sometimes spark some new ideas that maybe you couldn’t get flowing being cooped up in the house.

Buy a new magazine.

I don’t read magazines often anymore, but once in a while, I indulge in a new read like Real Simple or Magnolia Journal. Just flipping through the beautiful pages, might spark a new creative idea you want to try out. Maybe it’s a new decorating project, a new recipe to try or a cool new fashion idea. For me, the simple, organized layouts and beautiful pictures of recipes spark a lot of creative ideas for my business and home life.

Take 20 minutes and draw.

I myself love drawing, but I don’t do it anymore because it just doesn’t naturally fit into my busy daily life. But every now and then my daughter wants me to draw with her. And, when I do, I always walk away feeling inspired and think to myself “I forgot how much I really just love to draw!”

Today we were watching “The Lorax” and in the movie, there are these really cool truffula trees. My daughter had just drawn one and I suddenly got the urge too. I took 10 minutes and drew something really cool and it sort of resparked my love for drawing. For those 10 minutes I wasn’t mommy, I was transported back in time when I’d just sit for hours as a kid and draw.

You don’t have to get this elaborate with it, just pick something in your house and take 10 minutes and try to draw it or draw a silly character you make up to show your kids later. The good thing is that, if you have kids, no matter what you draw, they will most likely think it’s the most amazing thing ever!

Listen to music.

Take 10 minutes and put on some of your favorite jams. Music can really spark creativity for me. It stops any worries or constant to-do lists I have going on in my head and lets me be more present in the moment. Throw on some old school jams and maybe have a dance party with your kids if they are home. If nothing else, it might help lighten your mood and relieve a little stress!

Sit in silence.

If you can get a minute to just sit without the tv on, put your phone down and just sit with a cup of your favorite drink and just relax. I love sitting on my front porch with an iced coffee and my thoughts. With two kids, my life is constant noise.

I personally need some downtime every day and a few minutes of silence is golden! If I can slip outside for a few minutes while the kids are busy playing, I always feel a little more recharged and less stressed afterward, which helps spark some creativity if I need it.

Sometimes i just use this time to bring a notepad and do a quick brain-dump. Getting it all on paper can help clear your mind for more important things!

Pinterest.

This one is tricky because Pinterest often inspires me a little TOO much. There are so many ideas and projects on there that my mind just goes crazy with new ideas. This one may work if you have a specific project you need inspiration for.

Next time, you feel like you’re stuck in a creativity rut or need to get inspired in life, try one of these activities. Depending on the day, it might be a different thing that I need, so I need to listen to my mind and body to figure out what I may need that day.

If there are any special things you do to inspire and spark creativity I’d love to hear it. I’m always looking for new habits to incorporate into my life.