by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor
Despite what many people think, it’s not just artists who possess the ability to be creative – the truth is that we are all naturally creative. Creativity expresses itself in many ways in our world – whether it’s the teacher designing an enriching learning experience for her students, an entrepreneur building a new business, or a writer penning his latest novel.
Creativity is a way to approach things. And when it gets down to it, it’s all about each person expressing their own thoughts and originality. Getting creative engages the right side of your brain rather than the analytical left side, which can be a real switch for a lot of people who are so used to valuing their thinking mind above all else.
So how can you consciously engage and capture your own creativity?
1. Allow Yourself the Freedom to be Comfortable
Doing things the same old way can stunt your creativity. Sometimes what you really need is to break out of the norm. We’ve talked about talked about doing your best work in your pajamas before. Allowing yourself to relax is a great way to let ideas flow, and what better attire than in your comfy, cozy pajamas, right? Whether you’re working on a legal brief, writing your dissertation, painting your first masterpiece, or cooking a gourmet meal, lounging in your pajamas can help you to get into a totally different creative zone and may even insight you to look at your project in a whole new way. All hail pajama time!
2. Keep a Notebook on Your Nightstand
Sometimes the best ideas come while you’re relaxed and asleep – whether its during a dream or in the time between sleep and wake. This is because we have access to our subconscious minds during sleep. Famous creators Billy Joel, Stephen King, and Salvador Dali all reported that their dreams influenced their creative work in various ways. The best way to capture this creativity is to write down your ideas as soon as you wake up. So make a habit of keeping a notebook near your bed!
3. Journaling
We’ve mentioned the benefits of writing in a journal in a previous post, particularly in helping you to capture your goals and dreams. But, this activity can really help boost your creativity as well because it allows you to get new ideas out without your inner critic getting in the way. Writing is a forum for free flow of thought, that might not otherwise take place without pen and paper!
Photo Credit: what_marty_sees via Compfight cc
