January is International Creativity Month. The celebration was started in 2002 by Dr. Eric Maisel who is a creativity coach and author. He started it to encourage people to embrace their inner creativity, and to look for new ways of self-expression. We all express creativity in different ways. So take the time this January to set yourself up for a creative 2024. To get you started, we’ll look at some of the ways you can boost your creativity and in turn, enrich your life.
What exactly is creativity?
According to Britannica, creativity is “the ability to make or otherwise bring into existence something new, whether a new solution to a problem, a new method or device, or a new artistic object or form.” One of my favorite quotes about creativity is by Maya Angelou. She said, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use the more you have.” How great is that thought. People often say they’re not creative, but this quote says to me that, yes you are, you just need to try.
Boost your creativity – the benefits
There are so many benefits to being creative. Some are pretty obvious, and others you may not have even thought of. Creativity is known to improve your mental and physical health in several ways. Whether it’s through dancing, painting, singing, or just playing, creativity is known to help: improve your mood, relieve anxiety and stress, and even boost your immune system. It’s also known to be important in the workplace. Workspaces that encourage a creative environment are known to build better teamwork, reduce workplace stress, and helps to keep employees motivated.
So what can you do to boost your creativity and to make your life richer? There are several ways that can put you on track to living a full and creative life. So let’s dive in. Pick one and get started today.
Make time for creativity
We’re all so busy that we don’t have time to release that creativity. Even if it’s just 15 minutes and you pull out a coloring book or journal to write, make sure to schedule some creative time with no interruptions. Don’t just say it in your head. Get out your phone, or physical calendar and put it on your schedule like any other important appointment.
Break a sweat
One of the best ways to get your creative juices flowing and to clear your mind, is exercise. Whatever that’s lifting some weights, taking a spin class, or simply going for a walk, breaking a sweat is definitely a great way to tap into your creative side. And shoveling definitely counts!
Allow yourself to fail
No idea how to play the guitar? No problem. Don’t know how to paint or draw? Who cares? The point is to try something new. Get some inexpensive paints and brushes, or borrow a friend’s guitar and give it a try. There are tons of YouTube classes to get you started. And if you can’t do it, keep going. It’s all part of the process.
Switch it up
Do you usually read only self-help books? Maybe try some sci-fi. Only listen to one type of music? Listen to something out of your comfort zone. This has definitely worked for me as I started listening to K-pop. Well it’s really only BTS, but you get the point. By pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and not putting yourself in one box, you allow yourself to tap into other areas of your brain and see how that flows out of you creatively.
