Inspiring creativity

Inspiring Your Creativity

By: Karen Banks, M.Ed., PLPC

Image credit: http://www.everythingetsy.com/2013/08/creative-workspace-inspiration-2/

This is an excerpt from an article I originally published in SpokenVizions Magazine.  For the full article, please subscribe!

Many an article has been written about ways to help with writer's block.  My goal here is to give you some concise information that will help you find your creativity at any time.  As a born procrastinator, I am often looking for ways to help me start writing and these tips help me weekly!

Physical space as an inspiration

Clutter

There are two camps in the clutter debate.  One says that clutter can be an unhealthy distraction.  If your desk looks like a bomb exploded, invest time to clean and organize so writing instruments and notebooks are within reach.  The opposing side (as stated in an article published by the American Psychological Association in fact) has a few studies to the contrary: "working in a messy room seems to help them try new things and come up with creative ideas". 

Mental considerations

Sounds

Like color, music and sound play an important role in our mood and creativity.  Don't judge me, but my current favorite hype song is Turn Down for What.  When under pressure or feeling stuck, blasting rap music can be a great motivator to get down to business.   On the opposite end of the spectrum, a bit of smooth jazz or gospel can take you to a completely different, more peaceful place.  Keep Pandora or an iPod within reach to be able to adjust your tunes as necessary.  If sound or music is a distraction while you are being creative, noise cancelling headphones or white noise such as a ceiling fan, might be your recipe for success.

Other considerations

~ When you find yourself experiencing a creative block, stop working!  Take some time to do some quick exercises or an invigorating yoga sequence.  If you're anything like me, a nap will recharge your brain and possibly prepare you to get back to being creative.

I would love to hear from you if you found these tips helpful.  Tweet me @TrinityWellSTL or if you are feeling brave, post a picture of your workspace on Instagram #creativityhappenshere and tag me @Karen79ig and @spokenvizions.