Creativity is essential. Many would think otherwise but I’d like to believe it is an important aspect of human life. But after the entry of social media things changed. Drastically. Both on a positive note and otherwise. Our attention span has declined and we’re excessively used to swipes and clicks. We’d rather spend hours scrolling Instagram reels than spark creativity. ‘Cause, why not? They’re really good.

But that doesn’t sound right, does it?

Creativity is a staple for human well-being, thus it cannot be compromised. We misconceive that creative people are different from the regular lot. But could we be any more wrong? The right side of our brains is for creative thinking and our left, for logical thinking. And each one of us has both, right. So it’s clear as water that we’re all creative. Some of us just shut it out.

As a writer, I struggle every day to spark creativity. And over time, I’ve learned a few tricks and tips to keep creativity alive. It is satisfying, rewarding, and joyful.

How to Spark Creativity?

1. Building things from scratch

When I feel stuck, I jump out of the box. A few DIYs and snap, my mind gushes with new ideas. Build something with stuff you already have at home, things that you think are useless. It pushes your mind to think creatively.

You could even try building something with LEGO. It’s fun and obviously does the job of rekindling our creativity. But my first choice would a DIY from scrap materials.

2. Writing by hand

In the beginning days of my blogging, I only used the keyboard. That’s the easiest way. But now, I try to make a few important notes or idea generation on paper, by hand. And it makes the flow of ideas so much smoother and effortless.

So I suggest you write/doodle by your hand. No gadgets.

3. Staying away from Social Media

Social media — nothing but a window into others’ lives — hinders our brain activity. I genuinely saw better results at work when I limited my social media interaction.

4. Going outdoors

Now that we’re in the middle of a pandemic I rarely go outside. But I felt a lot better mentally when I could go on my evening walks — The breeze, the sky, the flowers, and the birds.

Nature is a natural booster of creativity.

5. Being bored

When was the last time you let yourself be bored? Probably ages ago.

You might be wondering, ‘that’s a good thing, no?’

No. Being busy is different from being productive.

When you are bored, your mind comes up with creative ideas to get you out of it. If you’re not letting boredom in, then your mind will think it doesn’t have to create any more ideas.

So next time, try letting your mind run.

6. Creating a routine

I’m a writer so I created a writing routine for myself. It involves a lot of writing. So the more I write, the better I get at it. My mind will be wired that way.

7. Yet opening up to new experiences

This can clash with our routine on some level. But find some middle ground, try to open up to new experiences without completely shattering your routine.

For suppose, you might have a routine path to reach your office but once in a while, you can take a new route. It will unlock a world of new things.

That’s all.

This is all that I do to spark creativity. And all of these have served me well. Do you have any such tricks up your sleeve?

Let me know in the comments.

I’ll see you again.

Much love,

Nikki.