One of my favorite things about watching children play is how effortlessly they inhabit their creativity. They draw, build, invent, and imagine without asking permission or worrying about whether what they create is “good.” Creativity, for them, is not a skill to be developed. It’s simply a way of being.
As adults, many of us move away from this instinct. Our days are shaped by productivityschedules and screens. Even our downtime is often filled with scroll or consumerather than creating. And yet, the desire to feel more imaginative, more expressive and more alive never really leaves us.
This desire could explain why we are witnessing a cultural return to film: film cameras, handwritten journalsrecord players, and even “analog bags” designed to hold laptops rather than devices. In an ever-changing world, creativity has become a form of resistance, a way to reconnect with ourselves offline.
The good news? Creativity is not something you have or don’t have. It’s a practice. And relearning how to be creative doesn’t require talent, expensive tools, or hours of free time, just intention.
What does it mean to be creative?
Creativity is not limited to artists, writers or designers. At its core, creativity is simply the ability to make connections, approach problems with curiosity, and express oneself in a way that feels meaningful.
Being creative can look like:
- Think differently about a challenge at work
- Cooking without a recipe
- Journaling honestly rather than perfectly
- Let yourself be played aimlessly
- Read a book it unlocks something new
13 ways to be more creative every day
Creativity is less about the outcome and more about the process. It’s about leaving space for curiosity, experimentation and imagination, especially in everyday life. And the more space we make for it, the easier it becomes to access it.
1. Draw, paint, doodle, watercolor
One of the easiest ways to be creative is to create something without an agenda. Drawing, doodling or painting – without worrying about the outcome – activates new neural pathways in the brain and helps calm the inner critic.
You don’t have to be “good” at art to benefit from it. Creating for the sake of creating is enough. Simply engaging in art-making triggers all kinds of connections in the brain, so don’t fight the urge to doodle during your next conference call.
2. Do something physical
Movement helps the brain move away from rigid, analytical thinking and into a more expansive, creative state. Walking, stretching, dancing, or any form of exercise increases blood flow to the brain and often unlocks new ideas. If you feel mentally stuck, try moving your body before trying harder.
3. Embrace boredom
Boredom gets a bad rap, but it’s one of the most powerful gateways to creativity. When the mind is not constantly stimulated, it naturally drifts into daydreaming, where new ideas tend to emerge.
Instead of spending every free moment with your phone, let yourself be bored. This is often where the imagination begins.
4. Watch or listen to something inspiring
Listening to a thoughtful conversation or observing someone who thinks differently can quickly broaden your perspective. Exposure to new ideas, especially those from people outside your field, helps spark creative connections. Start with these podcast episodes which are must-listen for women.
5. Generate more ideas than you think you need
Throughout my research, THIS is the most common thread among super creative thinkers. People who can generate lots of ideas (good and not so good) are much more likely to have a few brilliant ideas hidden in the mix than those who only come up with a few ideas to begin with.
Block out time to write for free and come up with as many ideas around a problem as your brain can generate, even if they seem silly. Since creatives are prolific idea generators, remember that they typically have more failures than successes. As Thomas Edison said: “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” »
6. Take time to play
The game is not frivolous, it is fundamental. When you engage in something simply because you enjoy it, creativity naturally follows. Build something, tinker, experiment or do something just because it’s fun.
7. Newspaper
Writing by hand slows the mind and helps thoughts take shape. Even 10 to 20 minutes of journaling can unlock clarity and creative momentum. Write without structure, judgment, or rules. Probing your mind in this way and reflecting your thoughts through a physical medium like a journal can be the key to unlocking a more creative future. And if you need advice, start with one of our favorite journal prompts.
8. Try a new recipe (or cook intuitively)
Cooking invites creativity through the senses. Following a recipe– or intentionally not following one – encourages experimentation and presence. Creativity comes in many forms, but cooking is one that always unleashes my creative side. It gives you the space to put your own spin on things and even leaves you with a reward for your work: win, win.
9. Get out
Time spent outdoors has a grounding effect that creates mental space for new ideas. Fresh air, natural light, and a change of scenery can reset your nervous system and refresh your thinking. Spending time outside, whether it’s over your morning coffee, an afternoon walk or outdoor diningis incredibly centered. And it ultimately opens up space for lots of creative thinking and action – a great first step if you’re feeling stuck.
10. Learn something unknown
The ability to connect with people from different cultures can inspire you to explore and grow in ways you might never have imagined. Speaking to someone in their native language is an incredibly valuable skill, and the process of learning a new language can be just as joyful as it is rewarding. Listening to podcasts or watching TV shows in the language you’re learning is a simple and accessible way to pick up new vocabulary and start forming your own sentences.
11. Change your environment
Travel not only inspires creativity, it often demands it. When plans change or the unexpected arises, you’re pushed to adapt, whether that’s finding a new route, trying unfamiliar foods, or rethinking where you’re staying. Breaking out of your routine invites new perspectives and experiences, and even small changes in the environment can spark a surprising amount of creativity in daily life.
12. Think like a stranger
Thinking like an outsider doesn’t mean pushing yourself far beyond your comfort zone. Often, it’s as simple as trying something new or breaking away from your usual routine. This might look like eating at a small local restaurant, taking a walk somewhere you’ve never explored, or sharing a new idea in a meeting. Inviting outside perspectives, both in life and at work, can open the door to more creative thinking.
13. Try a hands-on hobby
Practical hobbies invite you to put your own personal touch on everything you create – which, if we’re talking technically, is the very essence of creativity. Working with your hands slows you down, takes you offline, and creates space for focus and flow. Any hands-on hobby is a great way to develop skills, reconnect with the process, and let your creativity flow naturally.
A Simple Creativity Guide (Based on the Time You Have)
If you have 10 minutes:
- Doodle while you think
- Write a page in a journal
- Go out without your phone
If you have 30 minutes:
- Take a walk and let your mind wander
- Cook something without multitasking
- Think about ideas without changing them
If you have an afternoon:
- Start a hands-on project
- Visit a museum, bookstore or new neighborhood
- Disconnect from screens and let yourself play
Takeaways
Creativity does not require large periods of time: it responds to consistency and permission. And learning to be creative isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about remembering what already exists.
Creativity asks us to slow down, go analog, and leave room for curiosity. Whether through art, movement, journaling, or moments of boredom, creativity flourishes when we allow ourselves to be more intentionally engaged in the world.
Start small. Stay curious. And trust that creativity is less something you find, and more something you allow.
This article was last updated on February 15, 2026 to include new information.
The position Why Creativity Seems So Hard and How to Make It Easy Again appeared first on Camille Styles.