The word “juice” is often paired with creativity. “Get the creative juices flowing,” they say. It might sound strange at first, but the truth is that creativity can often feel jammed up. On the other hand, it can sometimes feel like it’s flowing too fast and doesn’t have anywhere to go. Whether you’re experiencing this creative block or see your child with it, try out the five activities below for activities that both use and boost your creativity.
1. Paper and Pen and Nothing Else
A great source of creative activity for young and old minds is to sit down with a blank piece of paper and a pen. It may seem intimidating at first, but whether you choose to write or draw, the pen’s permanence will help keep you from spending your time erasing or pressing backspace. Draw an object close to you, plot out a novel, or simply experiment with creating different line textures by how you hold the pen. Blank space gives your brain freedom, so enjoy this opportunity to experiment and have fun.
2. Read a Book
It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most effective tools for creativity. There’s nothing like an excellent book to give a mind inspiration. Find one outside of your usual genre to help expand the mind. A few great options to stimulate both creativity and logic are to read choose-your-own-adventure books or minute mystery books. When you choose your adventure, you get to select the ending and see how it plays out. This helps you think through the consequences of your decision and shows you that there is usually more than one solution to a problem if you use creativity innovation. The minute mysteries are great ways to stretch your mind and improve memory, creativity, and attention to detail. Reading is the foundation of writing and can spark literary ideas at a very young age.
3.Use Your Computer
It may not seem like a creative project unless it involves working with your hands, but the truth is that there are countless ways to be creative on the internet. A great option is to work with film and audio. Break down the instruments and chords in your favorite song and learn how to create your beat with quick and easy editing software. You could also learn how to edit videos with programs like Invideo, which offers free editing options that give you professional quality results. This video editing software has built-in animations, text, and music, offering a world of creativity to explore.
4. Lights, Camera, Click
You probably either have a phone or have access to one. This means you also have access to a camera. You can easily buy a cheap, little camera online or in a store near you if not. This is an excellent investment as the options with a camera are endless. You could film a movie trailer, learn creative ways to take photos, or simply capture special moments of your life. There are so many avenues of photography that it’s never too early to start learning the foundations. Encourage creativity with a camera for a beautiful and productive outlet that you or your child can use throughout your entire life.
5. Listen
Nothing both requires and sparks creativity so much as music. As with books, listen to music outside of your usual genre to expand your experience. From classical to pop, find what inspires you to create and use that as your soundtrack for creativity. Try learning an instrument, whether it’s for yourself or your child. If you don’t have access to one right away, remember that your voice is just as much an instrument like a piano. Everyone has to learn how to sing, so build your confidence and creativity by practicing voice exercises. Encourage those around you to get involved with music in any capacity.
Mix and match your creative skills. You could add your music to videos you edit or film trailers for a book you love. Using the materials around you, build free, creative outlets that inspire and develop the mind and body.
