5 Tips to Becoming More Creative
Tip #1: Swap out technology for self-care
Tweets. Snaps. Likes. Posts. DMs. In an era dominated by social media and the newest, shiniest, fastest technological gadget, it can be a real struggle to disconnect. Don’t take my word for it. More scientific studies have been published linking phone usage to dopamine release in the brain, mirroring addiction patterns commonly seen in heroin and cocaine users. You most likely have experienced anxiety or compulsion to check your phone. When you check your phone, refresh your apps, or see more likes, that drives the release of dopamine, or that “feel good” hormone, in your brain, creating a circle of dependence. With a growing body of evidence exploring the more harmful sides of technology, it is more important now than ever to take a step back from technology and unplug. You may very well discover that when you give yourself a bit of TLC, when you disconnect from your phone, your homework, your work, your everyday responsibilities, even for just thirty minutes, you feel more creative. For example, try to meditate or do yoga. Take a walk in the park. Go out for coffee with a friend and have a face-to-face conversation with them. Roll out a blanket and take a nap in the sunshine. Essentially do something that removes yourself from the pressure of checking your phone every 30 seconds. You’ll be happy you did, and you may even become more creative as a result!
Tip #2: Try a new activity
We all have our favorite hobbies, whether that be dancing, playing football, reading, or watching Netflix (well, this last one is probably a favorite hobby of everyone, let’s be honest!) But, if you want to become more creative, try an activity you’ve never done before. Download Duolingo and start learning a new language. Take a new class at your gym. Cook something with an unfamiliar ingredient. By drawing yourself out of your comfort zone, you may discover a new activity that you love, and it may awake in you some inspiration.
Tip #3: Have a conversation with someone who is not your age or comes from a different background
As a college student myself, I am surrounded by other college students ALL THE TIME. While there is no inherent problem with this, I am nonetheless stuck in a very particular bubble of young people. If you would like to become more creative, it may be a good idea to talk to someone outside of your age group or everyday surroundings. Volunteering can facilitate this. Volunteer at a retirement center and strike up a conversation with some of the elderly residents. Advertise yourself as a babysitter. I swear, interacting with babies and toddlers can be a very interesting and fun experience!
Tip #4: People watch (in a non-creepy fashion of course)
Ever been to a crowded cafe or restaurant? How about a place with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a busy street? Personally, one of my favorite past times is simply looking out of windows. Something about observing other people (not staring directly at them; that’s creepy!) can inspire creativity!
Tip #5: Get some sleep
On average, how many hours of sleep do you get per night? Most medical professionals recommended getting on average 7-9 hours per night. Getting a good night’s sleep is not only important to your health, but can also foster more creativity. When you’re alert and not falling asleep, it’s easier for you to focus on tasks and tap into your creative side.
Vocabulary list:
DMs: Direct message
Dopamine: a chemical produced by the brain
Compulsion: an action somebody feels he/she must do
TLC: Tender Loving Care; we use this acronym when a person is in need of self-care or relaxation
Inherent: true, underlying
Mirroring: following, similar to
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A Texas native, Bianca Navia is currently in her junior year at Arizona State University, pursuing a dual major in Political Science and Global Studies. She is most passionate about international affairs, diplomacy, foreign languages, traveling, and teaching. A fun fact about her? She’s the oldest of four sisters in a big Cuban-Italian-American family!