Creativity is kindling, igniting small flames that eventually lead to a roaring fire. It’s often the solution to our most challenging problems and the main ingredient in innovation. In the current global context, many of us are finding ourselves struggling to get the creative juices flowing. We’re working in new environments and dealing with issues we didn’t anticipate, all of which remain outside of our control.

On the flip side, this can present an opportunity to get creative in ways outside of your regular routine, find new ways to express yourself, and discover new marketing methods you would have never thought of before. Get inspired and explore some of the ways our team members and clients are getting creative, both in their personal and professional lives, to help them get through the tough times.

Limit Screen Time

Many of us on the Postern team are returning to the basics–pen and paper. Or crayons and paper. Or even chalk and pavement! The physicality of drawing, coloring, crafting, or writing in a notebook can slow us down from our usual high speeds and change our perspective for the better.

“I’ve been giving my iPad a much-deserved break,” says Cecile Madonna, a designer at Postern, “opting to pick any medium that gets my hands dirty! Creating something in real-time, seeing the textures and colors appear in front of me remind me that I need to get away from the screen more often.”

Michaella Currie, another designer at Postern, adds to this sentiment. “I have definitely been trying to stay creative at home, but in a different way than I would at work. While some of that creativity is through digital mediums like Procreate, I have also rediscovered my love for good old pencil, paint, and paper!” Check out some of her latest work!

Try Something New

One of the best ways to get the wheels turning is to try something new. Experimentation and exploration can help you see things from a new perspective and provide novel opportunities for learning.

According to an article from Harvard, “it appears that challenging our brains—for example, by learning a new skill—leads to actual changes in the adult brain.” It’s believed that by experimenting, you’re creating new neural pathways in the brain, improving your neuroplasticity, and improving your ability to form new ideas.

Learn a challenging recipe. Join a virtual book club. Try an unusual sport. Pick up a new instrument. Visit a new place. It can be that easy!

Get Your Hands Dirty

Others have been taking it a step further, and diving into literal dirt! Our director of development, Amy Benton has been returning to her creative roots by gardening. “It’s easy to get caught up in the news and go down rabbit holes,” says Amy. “But, when you’re outside and you’re focused on making sure your soil is ready or picking the perfect seeds to plant, it lets your mind move away from all the noise and be in the moment.”

With many of us seeking ways to fill our newfound free time, finding a hands-on hobby can both ease and open your mind. Psychology Today refers to this experience as “flow,” explaining it as the moment when “time flies, self-consciousness disappears, and you are fully immersed in the activity at hand. Hobbies, especially those that stretch our skills, foster this desirable and increasingly elusive state.”

By setting aside time each week to find your flow, you’ll start to see the benefits spill over into other areas, like your work life.

Self-Care

Self-care has become a well-known topic in recent years and is more important now than ever. However you define self-care—whether it’s spending time in nature, meditating, listening to music, exercising, yoga and stretching, or making art—make it a priority. Your creativity muscle will thank you!

“I’ve been trying to think of creativity like mindfulness in that it’s something you can practice each day,” adds Cecile. “So this thought of restarting and renewing my creativity each day has helped me get through some of the days where I’m having a hard time.”

“The world isn’t always as friendly and hospitable as we want it to be,” says Psychology Today, “so plan ahead and develop self-soothing rituals (that become self-care habits) that you can turn to when the need arises.”

When you keep your mind, body, and spirit in good health, you’ll find that you’re better able to think clearly and creatively.

Nurturing Connections

Many of us are no longer spending time in our offices and out in our communities, and as a result, spending less time connecting with others. This can make a big impact on our opportunities for collaboration–but, it doesn’t have to be that way. As they happen less organically, be mindful about creating situations for yourself to nurture your connections and collaborate with others.

“I find that video chatting with the team and members of the community is a great way to come up with creative solutions,” says Chris Vandergrift, Director of Communication and Production. “Bouncing ideas back and forth can really help things take shape in a way that wouldn’t if you were brainstorming within the echo chamber of your own head.” Diversity of perspective goes a long way to breaking out of a creative funk.

Want to join in the conversation? Postern holds weekly Community Conversations, a virtual opportunity for business owners to collaborate, innovate, and get creative. To sign up for our next conversation, visit our site and pick a Thursday that works for you!