Reducing Stress

Sometimes we need to jump into an idea and take a few risks, don’t we? 

Think of the leap of faith (literally) needed by the Wright brothers for their maiden flight…

In our last topic – ‘Inspiration Information’ - there was the quote by Jim Rohn: “If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.”  

So, what’s the connection then between creativity and risk-taking? Pablo Picasso, the 20th Century’s greatest artist, provides this insight: “Every act of creation is also an act of destruction.” Only by breaking from conventional ways of thinking, exploring and operating can we put together new concepts, approaches and products.

Perhaps we need to learn to let go of certainties, lose our fear of being wrong /failing and trust our instincts more (but still not confuse trust with knowing).

Only then can we fulfil our (creative) potential. 

Experiment with colour, think with colour.

Try using coloured pens when reviewing a group brainstorming session, or potentially any set of notes for a design or plan. Underline or circle the words according to the following:

Nouns/People/Things – Black – (entitles)

Verbs (’doing’/functional words) – Red – (relationships)

Adjectives/Adverbs – Blue – (attributes)

This can help clarify and link your ideas – it may also lead to new ideas.

You can also apply this same concept to your own ‘Individual Brainstorming’. Alternatively you can try using a set of colour pencils or pens to work on ideas from the start.

How do people respond to colour? How do you respond to colour? How do different colours make you feel?

Brainstorming with a group of people is a powerful technique to help reduce stress. It can be an effective way to generate lots of ideas on a specific issue and then determine which is the best solution. It creates new ideas, solves problems, motivates and develops teams.

If possible – Brainstorming works best with a varied group of people; off different ages, from different backgrounds, of different departments in an organisation. If participants feel free to relax and joke around, they’re likely to be more forthcoming with thoughts and produce more creative ideas.

Use a white-board, flip chart or software tool to write down ideas.

1) Define and agree objective – why are you here?!

2) Brainstorm ideas having agreed a time limit, and allowing everyone to contribute

3) Encourage participants to take ownership of, and help develop, other people’s ideas

4) Have fun. Welcome leftfield ideas – the practical and totally impractical. There are no limits!

5) Condense, combine, refine

6) Analyse results

7) Rank the list in order of preference – which ideas do you like the best?

Agree action and timescale to getting started

9) If necessary, arrange a follow up session

NB in long sessions, allow yourselves plenty of breaks to refresh an keep water on the go – this will help concentration.

It is also possible to have a go at ‘Individual Brainstorming’. Typically, this includes such techniques as free writing, free speaking, word association, and drawing a mind map (a visual note taking technique – ‘a diagram of your thoughts’).

They say that in the days of poet William Wordsworth, he and his sister Dorothy, along with many of their literary companions, often walked anything between 12 and 20 miles a day — and on a regular basis.

It’s no surprise that they gained so much inspiration on their walks; their poetry is full of nature’s magic and interesting happenings experienced while out on foot.

Walk in the countryside, a park or through a bustling city. Take a familiar route or go somewhere new and unplanned. Vary your pace, take time to stop, explore and devour the changing scenery. Reflect on your surroundings, open up new ideas and get lost in the moment.

Even a short walk can help us tap into our creativity.

Exercise and a change of atmosphere are good for us, and our creativity.

Chris Wink is one of the Co-Founders of Blue Man Group, having originally joined forces with Matt Goldman and Phil Stanton to find a creative outlet for their shared interest in percussion, technology, art and comedy.