10 Tips for Being Creative

We've all been there. You're really excited about this awesome project that you're going to do, and then you sit down to brainstorm ideas for it and there's just a blank page of endless nothingness.

Well, here are a few tips I have picked up that are actually quite helpful.

1. Exercise daily.

It actually works. Even walking just two miles a day can really stimulate your brain. Also, it reduces the risk of things like dementia in later life, so it's definitely worth a try. Studies have shown that people who exercise four times or more in a week outperform those who don't. So get walking! Or running, or whatever it is you do.

2. Research using books.

The easier information is to find, the less likely it is to stick on your head. Googling things generally leads to multitasking, which is bad for focus and basically means you won't learn as much. Consulting books and people improve your memory and capacity for learning.

3. Don't multitask.

"The jack of all trades is the master of none," is a saying that is quite applicable. Like I said just now, dividing your attention means you can't actually focus on anything. Do less and get more done.

4. Get a good night's sleep.

During sleep your brain reboots and refreshes itself. Turn off your phone. The light emitted from your phone is a stimulant which will stop you from sleeping. In fact, don't even sleep with your phone in the room. It can be a distraction. Remember that the average teen needs 10 hours of sleep each night.

5. Mind what you eat.

According to a study in 2015, eating foods rich in vitamin E - like olives and nuts - might help keep your brain working well throughout your life.

6. Hang out with other humans.

Like, actual, real, people. It works. Surround yourself with creative people and their creativity will start to spill over to you. Collaborate. Get feedback. Don't be a hermit.

7. Always carry a notebook.

Write down the ideas you have. Because if you're like me, you have ideas in really inconvenient places and if you don't write them down you forget about them. carry a notebook EVERYWHERE. Make lists, doodle, sketch, try freewriting. Notebooks are amazing.

8. Create a creative environment.

De-clutter your workspace. Clutter will distract you and get in your way. Don't spend too much time on screens. Listen to music, it opens up the creative side of your brain.

9. Don't beat yourself up.

Give your ideas a chance before deleting them. Write it down, leave it for a while, then come back to it with a fresh mindset.

10. Take risks.

Break the rules. Think outside the box. Try new things. Go outside your comfort zone. DO HARD THINGS. http://www.dohardthings.com/ is an awesome website to help you do this if you're a teen.

-Hannah-

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