5 Fun and Easy Ways to Get Creative

Creativity is important for everyone in order to develop cognitive function, problem-solving skills and increase our general happiness. Everybody has the potential for creativity, although it is common for people to believe that they are not creative. It's inside everyone, we just need to stimulate it and set it free. Studies have found that the more you create, the more creative you will become.

If you feel you are not a creative person, not only are you holding yourself back and missing out on a whole lot of fun, but you're starving the world of your creative output. That's why we've put together this quick list of ways you can be more creative, whether you're just starting to unlock your creativity or are looking to further unleash your creative self.

1. Do a doodle

As long as there's paper and a pen or pencil handy, doodling is a quick and easy way to produce some creative output anywhere you are. If you don't think you're any good at drawing, remember you can only get better! You don't need to be an artist. The outcome will only make you feel more accomplished and will probably look better than you think.

You can draw anything you can see around you, copy an existing image or improvise something off the top of your head. You might eventually move on to dabble in painting too.

Doodling can help you stay present, focused, engaged and enhance recall.

2. Take some photos

There's a very good chance that you already do this regularly, but putting a little more thought into what you're photographing and how you frame it will lead to some extra-impressive snaps.

Taking pictures will encourage you to pay closer attention to what is around you visually, and you might notice things you wouldn't have otherwise. You don't need to know how to work a big camera with loads of buttons; all you need is your smartphone, which is likely on your person most of the time already.

3. Sew up those ripped jeans

Or any other clothing you have that needs fixing. The repetitive, rhythmic action of sewing can be relaxing, calming the mind to reduce stress. It also develops patience and focus. The sewing process may involve obstacles that require creative problem solving skills to overcome.

If simply stitching up a tear isn't itching your creative spot enough, you can always get adventurous and experiment with different patterns and fabrics to customise your wardrobe and make it even more unique! This allows you to express yourself and reflect your individuality through choices of colour, fabric and design. You should find the act of having made something gives a feeling of pride and accomplishment.

4. Solve a jigsaw puzzle

The engaged focus involved in solving a puzzle can be meditative and allows your mind to open up, often inspiring new creative solutions and ideas. Much like sewing, the process can work to improve concentration skills and decrease stress levels.

Although finally completing a puzzle is rewarding and offers a sense of fulfilment, every piece found along the way feels like an achievement and gives a feeling of happiness.

Jigsaws are a great way to get some mental clarity whenever you feel you need it. Learning through play can be very effective, which leads us on nicely to number 5.

5. Dig out your old Lego

Lego is an incredibly fun tool for fostering creativity, problem-solving and learning. By getting your hands on some Lego and trying to build something - literally anything - you'll be practicing experimentation and creative thinking. There are no limits as to what can be built and it's up to you, your creativity and imagination as to what you'll make.

Beyond its entertainment value and ability for cognitive development in young people, Lego can offer adults mental stimulation, stress relief, mindfulness and memory improvement, just like many of the other ways to get creative suggested in this blog. Using your hands to play or build something can encourage outside-the-box thinking and creativity in a way that typing on a keyboard or writing might not.

Now you know how... go get creative!

To find out more about the mental benefits of creativity touched upon in this post, read How Creativity Can Benefit Your Mental Health.