{"id":5096,"date":"2021-10-13T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-13T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/witanddelight.com\/?p=93744"},"modified":"2021-10-13T15:00:00","modified_gmt":"2021-10-13T15:00:00","slug":"8-creativity-prompts-i-swear-by-to-get-you-out-of-a-rut","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ozapp.com.au\/?p=5096","title":{"rendered":"8 Creativity Prompts I Swear By to Get You Out of a Rut"},"content":{"rendered":"

Plenty of experts will explain the benefits<\/a> of daily creativity. This always used to baffle me a bit, because I once thought creativity was a feeling or a state of mind that would just magically show up, a spontaneous sense of inspiration worth seizing. Over time, I\u2019ve realized that creativity is actually a practice<\/em>, and flexing your creative muscles daily\u2014especially<\/em> when you don\u2019t feel like it\u2014is key to getting into the habit.<\/p>\n

Lately, I\u2019ve started taking one day off each week solely for myself (a definite privilege, and one I don\u2019t take for granted). Through these daily respites, I\u2019ve realized something about my relationship with creativity\u2014even though I love to be creative, I\u2019ll often deny myself the time to engage in creative practices. I\u2019ll scroll through my phone as a way to avoid them. The more I ask myself both why I need creativity and<\/em> why I\u2019m avoiding it, the easier it has become to dive into creative practices more readily.<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s post is about making it easy to get started with your own creative practice (because, as I know from plenty of personal experience, getting started is usually the hardest part), no matter the headspace you\u2019re in on any given day. Whether you\u2019re feeling overwhelmed, have the blues, or are a bit scattered, these short practices can help flex your creative muscle in a way that is healing, inspiring, and, best of all, easy to do.<\/p>\n

\nWhether you\u2019re feeling overwhelmed, have the blues, or are a bit scattered, these short practices can help flex your creative muscle in a way that is healing, inspiring, and, best of all, easy to do.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

When you want a burst of creativity but don\u2019t know how to get into that mindset, these are a few of my favorite prompts to help you get started.<\/p>\n

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\u2026<\/p>\n

Before you begin, get into the right headspace.<\/p>\n

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I like to start by finding a comfortable place to be still and connect with my body for a minute or two. Ask yourself what you\u2019re feeling in this moment and listen to the first answer that comes up.<\/p>\n

Are you feeling stuck and stale inside your body? Are you feeling frenzied and mobilized? Are you feeling lethargic and down? All of these associations within the body are clues to what you need.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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01<\/p>\n


\nIf you\u2019re feeling restless\u2026<\/p>\n


\n\u2026try dancing in your home for a few minutes (or half an hour!).<\/p>\n

Or just make whatever movement your body wants you to do. Sometimes your body simply needs some form of release and the point with this practice is to do creative movement, whatever that may look like. My favorite song to dance to? \u201cDon\u2019t Start Now\u201d by Dua Lipa.\n<\/p>\n

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02<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re feeling bored or distracted\u2026<\/p>\n

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\u2026<\/p>\n

try doodling.<\/p>\n

Get a notebook that\u2019s solely for doodling so you have it as your go-to. I\u2019ll get a pen I really like, grab my notebook, and give myself one objective: fill a page.<\/p>\n

You can draw images or objects, or you can write words that pop into your head. I do the latter in my free-writing journal. I find that journaling<\/a> after<\/em> this process also tends to feel really good because the words that pop up often create interesting associations to inspire my writing.\n<\/p>\n

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03<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re feeling frenzied\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026try filling a page with cursive writing.<\/p>\n

Sometimes when I\u2019m frenzied, instead of meditating (which, don\u2019t get me wrong, is beneficial in its own right!), I like to write in cursive with my favorite fountain pen. You can write simple phrases or sentences or, if you\u2019d like, you can write a simple affirmation (e.g., \u201cSlowing down is good for you\u201d).<\/p>\n

The process is about focusing on your penmanship and the flow of the pen on paper. I tend to find it really soothing.\n<\/p>\n

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04<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re feeling down\u2026<\/p>\n


\n\u2026try painting.<\/p>\n

I think painting can be a really wonderful outlet, and painting something with bright colors can help you create something really joyful. It\u2019s not about the execution or the finished product, but rather about being present with the brush, paint, and paper. How does it feel to move the color around on the page? \n<\/p>\n

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05<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re feeling overwhelmed\u2026<\/p>\n


\n\u2026try cooking.<\/p>\n

If I\u2019m feeling overwhelmed, cooking<\/a> (or even just reading through cookbooks) makes me feel better. This prompt may not work for everyone, but I find it really relaxing.<\/p>\n

It could be as simple as topping an open-faced sandwich with a smattering of fresh herbs and olive oil, then placing it on a pretty plate. Or, you could crack open a copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking<\/em> and spend the afternoon cooking up a feast. Listen to which approach would feel most soothing to you.\n<\/p>\n

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06<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re experiencing low self-esteem\u2026<\/p>\n


\n\u2026try getting creative with your wardrobe.<\/p>\n

When I\u2019m feeling this way, I\u2019ll sometimes go through my closet and intentionally remove any pieces that don\u2019t make me feel good. From there, I often find it enjoyable to put together a creative outfit<\/a> or two that does make me feel good. Finding new ways to create outfits with items I know I feel amazing in can really improve my mood. It could be as simple as pairing your favorite dress with boots instead of flats and adding a scarf around your neck, hair, or handbag. \n<\/p>\n

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07<\/p>\n


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\nIf you\u2019re feeling cooped up\u2026<\/p>\n


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\n\u2026try your hand at creating a flower arrangement.<\/p>\n

I love to go outside, cut some flowers and greenery, and arrange them on a whim.
\n(Head to your nearest Trader Joe\u2019s if you don\u2019t have a backyard to pull from!) You don\u2019t need big, beautiful blossoms to make an interesting arrangement. Touch and smell the foliage and pick whatever calls to you. Put them in a vase that makes you smile. Take your time arranging and let nature do most of the design work. \n<\/p>\n

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08<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re feeling stuck\u2026<\/p>\n


\n\u2026try styling a shelf (or rearranging furniture in a room!).<\/p>\n

I love rearranging a small corner (or big room) to renew my surroundings. Sometimes focusing your energy on a task that\u2019s separate from what\u2019s making you feel stuck, like arranging your books on a shelf<\/a> or rearranging furniture, can help you get unstuck.\n<\/p>\n

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Remember: It\u2019s not about being strict with your creative practice. It\u2019s simply about honoring what you know you need in a particular moment and following through.<\/p>\n

Happy creating, folks.\n<\/p>\n

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