Mr. Weichman, the Art teacher, asked me a question the other day, that really got me thinking. The question was: "How do you stay creative even when you have stressful situations all around you?" I've struggled with stress my whole life and so I have come up with some great strategies that help keep me going while staying creative. I want to share the 4 strategies that I try to use daily in maintaining creativity!
Enjoy,
Ms. H
I. HEALTH
Being inspired is one thing, but when you are not taking care of yourself physically then it will be even harder to get inspired. Being healthy is my number one piece of advice in the creativity process. Get enough sleep, drink lots of water, eat healthy food most of the day, do something active, and find time to laugh. Yeah, you heard me right - find time to laugh. You would be surprised by the overall health benefits of laughing. Laughing helps reduce stress, increases memory and learning, improves alertness and creativity, and much more. Come to me (Ms. Hansen) sometime and I'll show you a funny Youtube video ;).
II. GOALS
Next I would suggest to create goals with clear objectives for yourself. You can do this each week, month, quarter, semester, etc. You want your goals to be manageable AND specific. Write them down, share it with a peer, and keep track. When you set clear goals you will find that this process naturally increases your desire, passion, and motivation. For example, if I set a goal to create a really beautiful website by the end of the summer, here would be some of my objectives to reach that goal: research and get inspired by other websites, sketch design layouts, create layouts in a design program, get constructive criticism, build website, publish and produce site. Notice how each objective was specific and will help me reach my goal? This is crucial in the goal setting process. I challenge you to make 3 goals (with clear objectives) for the summer. Write them down and create a time frame for yourself and I guarantee that you will accomplish your goals if you stick with them!
III.TRY SOMETHING NEW
One of the best strategies that I use to stay creative is trying new things. Immerse yourself in a new experience, culture, activity, sport, conversation, piece of art, article, inspiring movie, website, concert, play, book, nature walk, etc. Doing this will stimulate your imagination and curiosity which results in greater creativity. I'm going to sound like a crazy person, but one of my favorite things to do is see movies at the theater on my own. I get so much more out of it when I'm completely focused on the movie and I can form opinions of the movie on my own. The point I'm trying to make is to not be afraid to try things on your own either! Try it sometime and you'll see what I mean.
Since I enjoy Web design, I like to take time to explore the Web for cool websites that inspire me or I like to go to the library and check out books on Web design. Something else that I like to do is go on Pinterest and get inspired by all of the design, color, and typography boards. If you find a cool website, but don't have the time to read it, then bookmark it for a later viewing.
IV. BE KIND TO YOURSELF
You guys, be kind to yourself. This is so important. Realize that you no one is perfect. Try to recognize and be grateful for the things that you are good at and that other skills take work and practice to achieve. Everything that is the most worth it to each of us are usually the hardest to attain. Creativity might come easy for some, but others have to work for it. If the list I am sharing with you is overwhelming, just take one little thing and run with it. Start small and just try your best. You are awesome!
I would love to hear your strategies for getting creative in the comments below! You will get 5 extra credit points in Web Design class if you give a meaningful comment.
Enjoy,
Ms. H
I. HEALTH
Being inspired is one thing, but when you are not taking care of yourself physically then it will be even harder to get inspired. Being healthy is my number one piece of advice in the creativity process. Get enough sleep, drink lots of water, eat healthy food most of the day, do something active, and find time to laugh. Yeah, you heard me right - find time to laugh. You would be surprised by the overall health benefits of laughing. Laughing helps reduce stress, increases memory and learning, improves alertness and creativity, and much more. Come to me (Ms. Hansen) sometime and I'll show you a funny Youtube video ;).
II. GOALS
Next I would suggest to create goals with clear objectives for yourself. You can do this each week, month, quarter, semester, etc. You want your goals to be manageable AND specific. Write them down, share it with a peer, and keep track. When you set clear goals you will find that this process naturally increases your desire, passion, and motivation. For example, if I set a goal to create a really beautiful website by the end of the summer, here would be some of my objectives to reach that goal: research and get inspired by other websites, sketch design layouts, create layouts in a design program, get constructive criticism, build website, publish and produce site. Notice how each objective was specific and will help me reach my goal? This is crucial in the goal setting process. I challenge you to make 3 goals (with clear objectives) for the summer. Write them down and create a time frame for yourself and I guarantee that you will accomplish your goals if you stick with them!
III.TRY SOMETHING NEW
One of the best strategies that I use to stay creative is trying new things. Immerse yourself in a new experience, culture, activity, sport, conversation, piece of art, article, inspiring movie, website, concert, play, book, nature walk, etc. Doing this will stimulate your imagination and curiosity which results in greater creativity. I'm going to sound like a crazy person, but one of my favorite things to do is see movies at the theater on my own. I get so much more out of it when I'm completely focused on the movie and I can form opinions of the movie on my own. The point I'm trying to make is to not be afraid to try things on your own either! Try it sometime and you'll see what I mean.
Since I enjoy Web design, I like to take time to explore the Web for cool websites that inspire me or I like to go to the library and check out books on Web design. Something else that I like to do is go on Pinterest and get inspired by all of the design, color, and typography boards. If you find a cool website, but don't have the time to read it, then bookmark it for a later viewing.
IV. BE KIND TO YOURSELF
You guys, be kind to yourself. This is so important. Realize that you no one is perfect. Try to recognize and be grateful for the things that you are good at and that other skills take work and practice to achieve. Everything that is the most worth it to each of us are usually the hardest to attain. Creativity might come easy for some, but others have to work for it. If the list I am sharing with you is overwhelming, just take one little thing and run with it. Start small and just try your best. You are awesome!
I would love to hear your strategies for getting creative in the comments below! You will get 5 extra credit points in Web Design class if you give a meaningful comment.