How to find Creative Inspiration

Creativity and inspiration are deeply connected. While creativity is about thinking outside the box and letting your thoughts run free, inspiration is the starting point.

It’s difficult to be creative without inspiration. Inspiration breathes life into the process of creativity. In fact, the word “inspired” comes from the same root as “to respire”- to breathe.

There are many ways to encourage your own inspiration. Try the following tips and see what inspired ideas you can come up with. You may surprise yourself!

Develop different Interests

One of the best ways is to find a hobby that interests you – whether it is learning a new language, taking up photography or attending lectures on art or politics.  You could even take up a team sport or become involved with some physical activity such as karate or hockey.

You could also learn a lot by writing or blogging. Just think of all the different subjects you could write about.

When you expose yourself to different issues and new ideas you learn a great deal.  New information is a great source of inspiration that could trigger off an exciting new project – even a brilliant idea for a novel.

Brainstorm for Creative Inspiration

Brainstorming is an excellent way to guide and channel your creative thoughts in the right direction. Different people brainstorm in different ways but it should involve freely jotting down all the thoughts that come to mind about a given topic. In this way you  can trigger fresh thoughts and new ideas.

Basically what you are hoping for is a chain reaction of creative thoughts to spill onto the page.

Some people also find that saying their thoughts out loud helps them to process the information better.

Learn to relax

It’s important to remember that you are much less likely to come up with brilliant ideas when you are stressed, tense or tired. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to help you to relax.

Some people like to listen to music as it helps them to unwind. Others practice deep breathing exercises such as those recommended by yoga.

Think about what normally works for you and go with it. If you are stressed about a particular area in your life you should to try separate yourself from this so that you can slip into “creative mode.”

Do some Exercise

When your body feels alive your mind feels more alert too. If ideas don’t come it won’t help you to sit at your laptop slumped over your notes or chewing the end of your pencil.

Exercise gives you energy and clarity of thought. So take some time out to go to the gym and you will find that you will be fresh and full of ideas the next time you sit down to work.

Many people say that they get their best ideas during a brisk walk or a jog in the countryside.

The most important thing to bear in mind is that you are more likely to find inspiration and creativity by living a full and interesting life.

This Article was contributed to Craft and Create by writer Eve Mills.