Trying to get back the magic of childhood creativity as an adult sounds like a tall order because between paying bills, keeping up with work deadlines & maybe even managing a family, where’s the time for creativity? However, tapping back into that playful, imaginative mindset is more useful than many people realize. It’ll make your daily routine much more interesting and might even make your work or personal projects a lot easier. Here are ten ways to bring the fearless & curious spirit of your younger self into the present. Let’s turn back the clock!
Featured Image Credit: EdZbarzhyvetsky /Depositphotos.com.
Schedule Unstructured Play
As a kid, you could just play for the sake of playing and, as an adult, you should try setting aside some time each week to do something just for the fun of it. Do it with no goals or outcomes in mind. It doesn’t matter if it’s doodling or simply dancing around your living room—unstructured play awakens parts of your brain that have been in hibernation mode. Eventually, you’ll develop entirely new ways of thinking.
Participate in Improv Workshops
While most people know Improv workshops are great for aspiring comedians, they’re also great for anyone looking to think more quickly on their feet. You’ll reconnect with your spontaneous side. In doing so, you’ll be forced to build on ideas without judgment and such a mindset helps you break down the adult habit of overthinking. Open up those new creative avenues!
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Adopt a Beginner’s Mindset in a New Hobby
When you pick up a new hobby and start it with a beginner’s mind, you’ll allow yourself to be bad at something, to ask questions & to be curious. This might involve learning a new instrument or perhaps starting a garden. Either way, starting something new without the pressure to succeed reminds you of the joy of learning and discovery. It’s just like when you were a kid!
Create a Sensory Inspiration Box
Kids are rather responsive to sensory experiences—and adults can be too, if they allow themselves to be. Put together a box filled with items that engage your senses. For example, use textured fabrics, aromatic herbs & colorful beads. Essentially, put anything in there that sparks joy or curiosity and then when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, spend some time with your box. Just see where your mind wanders.
Revisit Childhood Memories
You should also take some time to think about what you loved doing as a child, like drawing or singing at the top of your lungs. Then, write these memories down & think about how you can do similar things now. Just remember that the goal isn’t nostalgia. Rather, it’s a way of rediscovering passions & interests that’ll help you be creative today.
Try Free Writing or Drawing
Start off by setting a timer for 10 minutes and then writing or drawing without stopping. The goal is to not lift your pen from the paper. And don’t worry about making mistakes or creating something “good”—you’re just trying to have fun! Exercises like this help you bypass the inner critic that so often gets in the way of adults’ creativity. Now, you’re allowing your thoughts & ideas to flow more freely.
Celebrate Boredom
These days, we’re constantly bombarded with stimuli and that means that allowing yourself to be bored might sound…well, boring. But it’s in those moments of boredom that your brain can make some of its most creative leaps. Next time you’re waiting in line or sitting on a bus without your phone, try to resist the urge to fill every second with content. Instead, let your mind wander—who knows where it might take you?!
Play with Story Cubes
Story cubes are rather simple since they’re just a set of dice with images on them. Yet it’s this simplicity that can make your narratives more creative, so roll the dice & create a story based on the images you see. Best of all, it’s both fun and low-pressure. You’ll get your creative juices flowing as you practice thinking outside the box—what could be better?
Build a Fort
Yes, you read that right. Build a fort by grabbing some blankets, chairs & whatever else you have on hand for the best kind of throwback to childhood. Beyond that, it also creates a physical space that feels separate from the rest of your adult responsibilities. Think of it as being a sanctuary where your creative self can play. There are no limits here and you should feel at peace with that. It’s this freedom that gets your brain working!
Practice Mindful Observation
Take a cue from your younger self to see the world with fresh eyes. To do so, pick an object and spend a few minutes really looking at it—its color, shape, texture & any other details you normally overlook. This is known as mindful observation. Doing so improves your ability to notice & appreciate the richness of the world around you. You’ll feel rather creative as you do it!
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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