Written by Mia Denari
During the past year many of us have struggled to keep our creative juices flowing. We’ve all been doing the same routine, and seeing the same things every day. With all of that comes a lack of creativity. Creativity doesn’t need to be defined purely as doing art, such as painting or drawing. Our creativity comes within our minds and our way of thinking. Without having any new stimulating things to take from, we automatically have a creative block. I’m here to tell you six ways to stay creative during these unprecedented times.
1) Take Time Away From Screens
While doing online school, lots of students find themselves going from one screen to the next. Although looking at your computer or phone can give you inspiration, it’s only best to do it in increments. Taking time away from your screens can help you find balance in your everyday life and allow you to be with your creative thoughts.
2) Write Your Thoughts Down and Come Back to it
Instead of spending time looking at a screen, it’s always a good idea to write down your thoughts and ideas and come back to them later. If sitting with your thoughts is scary, this is a great trick to try. It allows you to visualize your thoughts and build off of them at a later time when you’re in a clear headspace.
3) Don’t do Everything All at Once
Sometimes we all have the tendency to get everything done at once. I know I struggle with that from time to time, whether it be my school work or my art. Making time in each day to give yourself that creative breathing room is what can make your work thrive. If you spend too much time on something, you end up trying to rush it in the end which could lead to unsatisfying work.
4) Try Something Outside of Your Creative Element
If you’ve done the same thing every day, you start to feel in some kind of rut. One way to change that feeling is to try something completely different from your normal creative outlet. Throughout the years I've picked up knitting, sewing masks, and embroidering shirts and sweatshirts for my friends and family!
5) Let Yourself NOT be Creative
Now this may seem counteractive for what you’re trying to accomplish, but I promise it helps in the long run. Sometimes we force ourselves to be creative when we find ourselves being stuck. Doing this can actually have an opposite effect. Take a day or two out of the week to just relax and not think about what your next project will be. Creativity will always find you.
6) Remind Yourself Why You’re Creative in the First Place
Everybody has a creative side to them and sometimes it takes a little thought on why we began to be creative. For me, I like to remind myself that it’s my own personal time that can’t be interrupted. No one knows what happens in that brain of yours, so take the time to love yourself and tell yourself why you’re creative every so often.
7) BONUS!
Listen to some good music! If you’re like me and music can be distracting to you, look up some awesome Lo-fi playlists! My favorite is here.
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