Sleep. Who would have guessed that sleeping would do so much for creativity? Sleep helps you come up with new ideas because the brain rearranges the information you’ve accumulated throughout the day. Giving your brain time to process the information and then return to it again the next day allows you to approach it from a new angle.
Do something mindless. Take a shower, go fishing, or knit a sweater. These activities that involve your body, but not your brain, help give it brain the downtime it needs to reset. You just need to let your mind work in a relaxed and unfocused manner.
Get out of your comfort zone. Move to another country, take up a new language, or begin a new project. Doing new and challenging things can force your brain out of its thinking habits, which can trigger new and creative thoughts.
Surround yourself with blue. Research shows that the color red makes us anxious, while the color blue relaxes us. “Aha moments” happen when we are relaxed and open to new ideas. Paint your office blue or buy some blue accent pieces. The color will relax you and get those creative juices flowing.
Get out in the open. Working in a small cubicle will narrow your thinking. Every once in a while, take a walk outside and attempt to do some work in open spaces. This will broaden your thinking.
Laugh. Brain studies show that when people are in good moods they are more likely to have “aha moments”. So, spend time doing things that make you happy. You’ll be more creative and innovative in the long run.
If you must take fear along for the ride, don’t forget to bring creativity along as well! Living a life that incorporates your innovation will bring you happiness and fulfillment. Don’t be afraid – gain the courage to be creative!