These days more than ever before, it is vitally important to think ‘outside of the box’, to be a tad creative in the way we go about things, and to be able to come up with unusual answers to situations which simply don’t have a ‘normal’ answer.
It doesn’t matter whether you have a formal job or a creative one, being able to use your creativity will allow you to do better overall, as well as allowing you an outlet and a way to express yourself to other people. Basically, creativity is a vital part of life.
Because of the busy lives we lead, overloaded with stress and perhaps too much technological interference, it’s normal that from time to time creativity might be a little thin on the ground. Think of a writer for instance, have you ever heard of writer’s block? This is a case of creativity having a temporary vacation, and it can all be down to ill health, stress, or poor sleep.
If you’re finding that your creative streak has upped and left town, the good news is that there are a few health habits you can establish into your routine, which will help you get to know your creative mind once more.
Habit 1 – Enjoy a Regular Massage
Yes, you have permission to totally paper yourself and have regular massages! What could be better?
There is a lot of evidence to suggest that regular massage can boost overall health and wellbeing, as well as offering a great boost to your mind and creative endeavors. Massage is not only relaxing, but it also boosts your circulation, helps you get a better night’s sleep (more on that shortly), and is generally fantastic for your mind, body, and soul.
Habit 2 – Get Enough Sleep at Night
There is nothing brave or hero-like about staying up late to get work done. You are only cheating yourself out of your own health, and your creative streak too. When you’re tired, your body is under a lot of stress, and the last thing your mind is going to feel like doing is coming up with creative ideas. Research recommends getting at least 7-8 hours of shut-eye per night, although the amount needed individually varies from person to person. Your focus and your concentration levels will thank you for it!
Habit 3 – Relax Your Mind And Your Body
Relaxation is vital, and as we mentioned in our massage section, it has a whole host of wellness advantages. We live in stressful times, and when your mind is overwhelmed with a whole host of things to remember and do, it’s much easier to find that your creativity is on the wane. Relaxation can be as easy as going for a walk with a friend, or reading a book, but you basically need find time for yourself, and to forget about work or whatever else is stressing you out.
Habit 4 – Eat a Healthy, Well Balanced Diet
Eating healthy isn’t just good for your waistline, it’s fantastic for your body. Aim to eat food which is organic, clean, and healthy, avoid those fatty takeaways and processed ready meals, and instead go for home cooked, lean, and fresh dishes. They taste so much better anyway, but they also help your mind become clearer. This has a knock on effect with your creativity, and you’ll be feeling great from the inside out.
Habit 5 – Get Plenty of Regular Exercise, Outdoors if Possible
Getting your heart pumping and your blood flowing is ideal for your overall health and wellbeing once more, but it is also fantastic for helping your creative juices to flow. Studies suggest that there is something about exercise, (especially if it is outside in nature) that boosts creativity and allows us to think more clearly overall. As we just mentioned, if you can get outside and do some exercise, you’ll get double the benefits.
Habit 6 – Socialising, in a Healthy Way
Spending time with friends and family, or other who are close to you, including pets, is a great way to cut loose and allow your creativity to return. Getting away from your regular routine resets your mind and also gives you ideas for new creative routes to go down. If you’re stuck in a 9-5, working and then going home, with nothing else to look forward to, how can you expect your mind to come up with anything creative or different? Creativity is like a baby, it needs feeding regularly!
Habit 7 – Try Meditation
Many people roll their eyes at the mere suggestion of meditation, but that is only because they really don’t understand it. Meditation is not a New Age fad that doesn’t bring rewards. To the contrary, studies show that it’s a very useful tool to help calm your mind, bring peace to your body, and allow your creative juices to flow as a result.
Meditation will take practice, because not everyone is an instant expert at switching off the mind and refusing to let any other voices filter through. By giving yourself the time and space to practice meditation however, you’ll find that it’s not only your creativity that is boosted, as you’ll be feeling much calmer, more in control, and relaxed as a result too.
These are 7 healthy habits you can easily incorporate into your routine. By doing them, you’ll not only grab some great health benefits at the same time, but you’ll see that your creativity is certainly boosted as a result. This is all down to your mind being clear and calm, and not fogged up with stress and other outside influences.
Go on, give them a try and see how full of ideas you will be at the end of a short period of time!
