Ever get to the point where you are at a creative standstill? You sit in your office with a stack of papers to your left, your mouse hand motionless–waiting for motivation of any kind to get the creative juices flowing.
Maybe instead of waiting for inspiration to strike from out of the blue, how about taking a break from it all? Studies show that your brain needs downtime to work at its optimum level.
Molecular biologist Dr. John Medina of Brain Rules states, “We are not used to sitting at a desk for eight hours a day. From evolutionary perspective, our brains developed while we walked or ran as many as 12 miles a day. The brain still craves this experience.”
When you’re having problems with focus or concentration, getting away from your desk is probably the single best thing you can do to re-energize your brain.
Here are 10 ways you can recharge your creative battery:
Take a hike: Get outside and get some exercise! Nature is so good for your peace of mind and for your body. There are a bajillion awesome hikes out there–from easy to extreme. Here are some suggestions to get you started.
- 9 Kid-Friendly Waterfall Hikes for Seattle-area Families
- 9 Washington Hiking Trails So Beautiful You’ll Forget You’re Exercising
- This Haunted Hike In Washington Will Send You Running For The Hills
- The most ‘wow-worthy’ Pacific Crest Trail hikes in Washington
Water play: Did you know that being around water helps spark ideas and creativity? Try these activities for a boost of creative juice.
- Kayaking: The Northwest’s Best-Kept Kayaking Spots
- Beaches: 5 Best Beaches of the Pacific Northwest
- Paddle boarding: Northwest Paddle Surfers
- Go fish: Fishing Holes
Meditate: Slow down that monkey brain! We are way too busy, and our poor brains are trying to keep up. Try these options to help you find some peace.
- Meditation apps: The Best Meditation Apps For iPhone, iPad And Android
- Meditation classes: 4 Meditation Options In and Around Seattle
Photo credit: Seattle Art Museum, Yayoi Kusama (artist)
Museum magic: Seeing other artists’ work can be very inspirational. Seattle Art Museum (SAM) has some super cool exhibits right now.
- At Seattle Art Museum, ‘Infinity Mirrors’ is spectacular, surreal — and, yes, reflective
- SAM Exhibitions
Musical interlude: Music is a great way to leave your troubles behind and be in the moment. Check out some fun music happening in the Seattle area.
Go back to your roots: Remember when you used to paint, draw, sculpt, or take photos… for fun? Wouldn’t it be great if you could do that again? What’s stopping you? Grab a canvas and a brush. Go forth and create.
- Get your supplies at Daniel Smith. An artist’s Disneyland.
- Classes: Just about every community college or university has art classes available. Also check out smaller art-specific schools like Gage Academy of Art or Pratt Fine Arts Center
Road trip! Get in your car and drive, baby! Let the open road and the adventure spark your creativity.
Summer stuff: Just about anything you do for fun in the summer is perfect for recharging your batteries. No links here! You know what to do.
- Backyard BBQs: invite your friends and chill
- Volleyball
- Fireworks
- Boating
- Bicycling
People watch: yeah, it’s a fine art and we’re all good at it. What a great way to just free your mind and observe. (Without taking it too far–no stalking!)
Go fetch! Have a pet? Go play with them! What a great way to reduce stress.
We hope you get out there and have some fun! Can’t wait to see how creative you are when you get back to your desk!