One of my favorite things about watching children play is how effortlessly they inhabit creativity. They draw, build, invent, and imagine without asking permission—or worrying whether what they’re making is “good.” Creativity, for them, isn’t a skill to develop. It’s simply a way of being.

As adults, many of us drift far from that instinct. Our days are shaped by productivity, schedules, and screens. Even our downtime is often filled with scrolling or consuming, rather than creating. And yet, the desire to feel more imaginative, expressive, and alive never really leaves us.

That longing might explain why we’re seeing a cultural return to the analogue: film cameras, handwritten journals, record players, even “analogue bags” designed to hold notebooks instead of devices. In a world that’s always on, creativity has become a form of resistance—a way to reconnect with ourselves offline.

The good news? Creativity isn’t something you either have or don’t have. It’s a practice. And learning how to be creative again doesn’t require talent, expensive tools, or hours of free time—just intention.

What Does It Mean to Be Creative?

Creativity isn’t limited to artists, writers, or designers. At its core, creativity is simply the ability to make connections, approach problems with curiosity, and express yourself in ways that feel meaningful.

Being creative might look like:

• Thinking differently about a challenge at work
• Cooking without a recipe
• Journaling honestly instead of perfectly
• Letting yourself play without a goal
• Reading a book that unlocks something new

13 Ways to Be More Creative Every Day

Creativity is less about output and more about process. It’s about allowing space for curiosity, experimentation, and imagination—especially in everyday life. And the more often you make room for it, the easier it becomes to access.

1. Draw, paint, doodle, watercolor

One of the simplest ways to be creative is to make something with no agenda. Drawing, doodling, or painting—without worrying about the outcome—activates new neural pathways in the brain and helps quiet the inner critic.

You don’t need to be “good” at art to benefit from it. Creating for the sake of creating is enough. The sheer act of engaging in making art fires up all kinds of connections in the brain, so don’t fight the urge to doodle while you’re on your next conference call.

2. Do something physical

Movement helps shift the brain out of rigid, analytical thinking and into a more expansive, creative state. Walking, stretching, dancing, or any form of exercise increases blood flow to the brain and often unlocks fresh ideas. If you feel mentally stuck, try moving your body before trying harder.

3. Embrace boredom

Boredom has a bad reputation, but it’s one of the most powerful gateways to creativity. When the mind isn’t constantly stimulated, it naturally drifts into daydreaming—where new ideas tend to emerge.

Instead of filling every spare moment with your phone, let yourself be bored. That’s often where imagination begins.

4. Watch or listen to something inspiring

Listening to a thoughtful conversation or watching someone who thinks differently can quickly expand your perspective. Exposure to new ideas—especially from people outside your field—helps spark creative connections. Start with these podcast episodes that are must-listens for women.

5. Generate more ideas than you think you need

Throughout my research, THIS is the single most common thread among super creative thinkers. People who can generate a lot of ideas (good and not-so-good) are much more likely to have a couple of brilliant ideas hidden in the mix than those who only come up with a couple of ideas to begin with. 

Block out time for free writing and come up with as many ideas around a problem as your brain can generate, even if they seem silly. Since creative people are prolific idea-generators, remember that they typically have more misses than hits. As Thomas Edison said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.”

6. Make time for play

Play isn’t frivolous—it’s foundational. When you engage in something purely because you enjoy it, creativity naturally follows. Build something, tinker, experiment, or do something just because it feels fun.

7. Journal

Writing by hand slows the mind and helps thoughts take shape. Even 10-20 minutes of journaling can unlock clarity and creative momentum. Write without structure, judgment, or rules. Probing your mind in this way and reflecting your thoughts through a physical means like a journal may be your key to unlocking a more creative future. And if you need some guidance, start with one of our favorite journal prompts.

8. Try a new recipe (or cook intuitively)

Cooking invites creativity through the senses. Following a recipe—or intentionally not following one—encourages experimentation and presence. Creativity manifests itself in various forms, but cooking is one that always unlocks my creative side. It provides you with space to put your own touch on things and even leaves you with a reward for your labor—win, win.

9. Get outside

Time outdoors has a grounding effect that creates mental space for new ideas. Fresh air, natural light, and a change of scenery can reset your nervous system and refresh your thinking. Spending time outside, whether during your morning coffee time, an afternoon walk, or dinner al fresco, is incredibly centering. And it ultimately opens up space for lots of creative thoughts and actions—a great first step if you’re feeling stuck.

10. Learn something unfamiliar

The ability to connect with people across different cultures can inspire you to explore and grow in ways you may never have imagined. Speaking to someone in their native language is an incredibly valuable skill—and the process of learning a new language can be just as joyful as it is rewarding. Listening to podcasts or watching TV shows in the language you’re learning is a simple, approachable way to pick up new vocabulary and start forming sentences of your own.

11. Change your environment

Travel doesn’t just inspire creativity—it often requires it. When plans shift, or the unexpected arises, you’re pushed to adapt, whether that means finding a new route, trying unfamiliar foods, or rethinking where you’ll stay. Stepping outside your routine invites new perspectives and experiences, and even small changes in environment can spark a surprising amount of creativity in everyday life.

12. Think like an outsider

Thinking like an outsider doesn’t mean pushing yourself far beyond your comfort zone. Often, it’s as simple as trying something new or breaking from your usual routine. That might look like eating at a small local restaurant, taking a walk somewhere you’ve never explored, or sharing a fresh idea in a meeting. Inviting outside perspectives—both in life and at work—can open the door to more creative thinking.

13. Try a hands-on hobby

Hands-on hobbies invite you to put your personal touch on whatever you’re creating—which, if we’re getting technical, is what creativity is all about. Working with your hands slows you down, pulls you offline, and creates space for focus and flow. Any hands-on hobby is a beautiful way to build skills, reconnect with the process, and let your creativity unfold naturally.

A Simple Creativity Guide (Based on the Time You Have)

If you have 10 minutes:

• Doodle while you think
• Write one page in a journal
• Step outside without your phone

If you have 30 minutes:

• Take a walk and let your mind wander
• Cook something without multitasking
• Brainstorm ideas without editing

If you have an afternoon:

• Start a hands-on project
• Visit a museum, bookstore, or new neighborhood
• Disconnect from screens and let yourself play

The Takeaway

Creativity doesn’t require large blocks of time—it responds to consistency and permission. And learning how to be creative isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about remembering what’s already there.

Creativity asks us to slow down, go analogue, and make space for curiosity. Whether through art, movement, journaling, or moments of boredom, creativity thrives when we let ourselves engage with the world more intentionally.

Start small. Stay curious. And trust that creativity is less something you find—and more something you allow.

This post was last updated on February 15, 2026, to include new insights.