Reducing Stress

Try focussing on one thing only. Look around you and focus on one object; think up something that relates to that object.

Open a dictionary, randomly select a word and then try to formulate ideas incorporating this word. Pick a colour. Focus on a sound. Concentrate on one particular part of your business. One person.

This is based on the idea that choice can sometimes hinder creativity – sometimes there is nothing like restrictions to get you thinking.

Just a small ringbound notebook that can fit in a shirt, jacket or trouser pocket. And a pen.

You never know when that moment of inspiration may hit; it can also come in useful for keeping lists, sharing details with someone or just doodling/drawing to kill some time. 

Upon re-reading your notes, you may find that 95% of your ideas are rubbish. What’s important are the 5% that are brilliant.

If the brain is a muscle, are there ways to strengthen it and help our creativity?

Reading, writing or drawing may help creativity more than watching TV or most computer based activities.

Someone once said: ”Don’t watch TV. Experiments performed have shown that watching TV causes your brain to slowly trickle out your ears and/or nose. It’s not pretty, but it happens.” This may be an overstatement, but you get the point they’re trying to make.

Ask lots of questions. Enjoy strenuous discussions: debate. And “If you’re the cleverest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room!” (Author unknown).

It’s easy (and necessary) to get caught up in the details of daily responsibility and pressures. It’s instantly gratifying (and a fun way to connect) to spend time behind a computer screen on email, twitter, facebook or blogs. Routines are comforting (and often very helpful).

But, perhaps, in some ways – all of the above can stifle our creativity on occasion.

I mean – if we really are “surrounded by inspiration” - where is it, and why don’t we feel it more of the time?

Try taking the time, when available, to go somewhere new with a notebook or laptop and observing gently what goes on around you. It could be a coffee shop, a bookshop, a gallery, a library, a bar – but try and make it somewhere you’re not 100% accustomed to.

You never know what may spark something – an interaction, some colourful clothing, a tatoo, a song, a magazine on a table, a smile….

Look at an issue from a completely different angle. Flip it around – approach it back to front, from the side. Question it with an open mind. How might someone else that you know (or have never met, even) – approach it? How might someone from a different country or culture or era consider it? Are there any merits in this?

Our thought processes are, after all, largely effected by the circumstance of where and how we have been brought up.

“Question your perspective and you’ll find inspiration. Change your perspective and you will find answers.” ~ Author Unknown