One of my favorite things about watching kids play is how hard they stay to create. They draw, build, invent, and think without asking for permission—or worrying about whether what they’re doing is “good.” Creativity, for them, is not a developmental skill. It’s just a way of being.
As adults, many of us move away from that instinct. Our days are made up of productivity, schedules, and screens. Even our free time is often filled with scrolling or eating, rather than creating. And yet, the desire to feel more thoughtful, expressive, and alive never leaves us.
That longing may explain why we’re seeing a return to analog culture: film cameras, handwritten journals, record players, even “analogue bags” designed to hold notebooks instead of machines. In an always-on world, creativity has become a form of resistance—a way to connect with us offline.
The good news? Creativity is not something you have or don’t have. It’s a habit. And learning how to be creative also doesn’t require talent, expensive tools, or hours of free time—just intention.
What does it mean to be creative?
Creativity is not 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 meaningful ways.
Being creative might look like this:
- Thinking differently is a challenge at work
- Cooking without a recipe
- Writing honestly instead of being perfect
- Allowing yourself to play without a goal
- Reading a book opens something new
13 Ways to Be More Creative Every Day
Creativity is less about the output and more about the process. It’s about allowing space for curiosity, exploration, and imagination—especially in everyday life. And the more often you make your location, the easier it is to access.
1. Draw, paint, doodle, watercolor
One of the easiest ways to be creative is to do something without an agenda. Drawing, doodling, or drawing—without worrying about the outcome—activates new emotional 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 creativity sparks 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 from rigid, analytical thinking and into an expansive, creative state. Walking, stretching, dancing, or any form of exercise increases blood flow to the brain and often opens up new ideas. If you feel stuck mentally, try moving your body before trying too hard.
3. Embrace boredom
Boredom has a bad name, but it is one of the most powerful gateways to creativity. When the mind is not constantly stimulated, it drifts off into daydreams—where new ideas often emerge.
Instead of filling up all the spare time with your phone, let yourself get bored. This is usually where the thought begins.
4. Watch or listen to something that inspires you
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 must-listen podcast episodes for women.
5. Generate more ideas than you think you need
Throughout my research, THIS is the single most common thread among creative minds. People who can generate many ideas (good and not so good) are more likely to have fewer brilliant ideas hidden in the mix than those who come up with fewer ideas to begin with.
Block out time for free writing and come up with as many ideas about the problem as your brain can generate, even if they seem silly. Since smart people are effective opinion makers, remember that they often have more misses than hits. As Thomas Edison said, “Genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.”
6. Take time to play
Play isn’t just play—it’s fundamental. When you engage in something simply because you enjoy it, creativity naturally follows. Build something, tick, experiment, or do something because it feels good.
7. Journal
Writing by hand slows the mind and helps thoughts to form. Even 10-20 minutes of writing can unlock clarity and creative impulse. Write without structure, judgment, or rules. Exploring your mind in this way and expressing your thoughts through visual materials such as a journal may be your key to unlocking a creative future. And if you need some guidance, start with one of our favorite journaling prompts.
8. Try a new recipe (or cook the right way)
Cooking invites creativity through the senses. Following a recipe—or deliberately not following one—encourages exploration and discovery. Art manifests itself in many different ways, but cooking is one that always opens up my creative side. It gives you room to put a personal touch on things and leaves you with a reward for your work—win, win.
9. Go outside
Time outside has a grounding effect that creates a 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 it’s during your morning coffee, an afternoon walk, or an al fresco dinner, is very focused. And ultimately it opens up space for more creative thoughts and actions—a good first step if you’re feeling stuck.
10. Learn something unfamiliar
The power of connecting 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 invaluable skill—and the process of learning a new language can be as exciting as it is rewarding. Listening to podcasts or watching TV shows in the language you are learning is an easy, accessible way to acquire new vocabulary and start creating your own sentences.
11. Change your location
Travel doesn’t just inspire creativity—it often requires it. When plans change, or the unexpected comes up, you’re forced to adapt, whether that means finding a new route, trying an unusual diet, or rethinking where you’re going to live. Stepping outside your routine invites new ideas and experiences, and even a small change in the 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 beyond what you love. Often, it’s as simple as trying something new or breaking away from your routine. That might look like eating at a small restaurant, taking a trip to an area you’ve never explored, or sharing a new idea at a meeting. Inviting outside ideas—both in life and at work—can open the door to more creative thinking.
13. Try a hobby with your hands
Hobbies invite you to put your personal touch into whatever you do—which, if we get a technical job, 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 great way to build skills, reconnect with the process, and let your creativity flow naturally.
A Simple Guide to Creativity (Based on the Time You Have)
If you have 10 minutes:
- Doodle while you think
- Write one page in a journal
- Go outside without your phone
If you have 30 minutes:
- Take a trip and let your mind wander
- Cook something without doing a lot of things
- Discuss ideas without editing
If you have an afternoon:
- Start a hands-on project
- Visit a museum, a bookstore, or somewhere new
- Disconnect from the screens and let yourself play
The Takeaway
Creativity doesn’t take a lot of time—it’s responding to consensus and approval. And learning how to create is not about becoming a new person. It is about remembering what is already there.
Creativity asks us to slow down, analogize, and make space for curiosity. Whether it’s through art, movement, journaling, or moments of boredom, creativity thrives when we allow ourselves to engage with the world more intentionally.
Start small. Always be 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 information.