The need for creativity in the workplace is more important than ever. With technology becoming more and more commonplace in our lives, the ability to think outside the box and come up with new ideas is more valuable than ever.
There is no one right way to be creative. Some people are more visual in their thinking, while others develop ideas through talking and collaboration. But whatever your preferred mode of creativity may be, there are certain habits you can adopt to improve your chances of having great ideas.
Let us look at some simple workplace fixes that you can do to boost your creativity.
1. Get Organized
One of the quickest ways to kill creativity is by working in an unorganized space. A cluttered desk or a messy workstation can be extremely distracting and make it difficult to focus on the task at hand. Take time to tidy up your work area and eliminate unnecessary clutter. You'll be surprised how much of a difference this can make in your ability to think creatively.
You can think of it like this: when your workspace is cluttered, your mind will also be cluttered. But when your workspace is organized and tidy, your mind will be able to focus and be more creative.
2. Add Some Color
Another easy workplace fix that can help improve your creativity is by adding some color to your space. Studies have shown that certain colors can boost creativity and productivity. For example, blue has been shown to promote concentration and reduce stress, while green increases calmness and creativity. Adding a pop of color to your work area can help create a more positive and productive environment, which is ideal for sparking those creative ideas.
3. Bring in Some Nature
If you're looking for an easy way to boost your creativity instantly, try bringing in some nature. Being around nature can help increase creativity and problem-solving skills. So, if you're feeling stuck on a project, take a break and go for a walk outside.
Adding plants to your work area will make it more aesthetically pleasing and help promote creativity. Plants have been shown to have several benefits, including reducing stress levels and improving air quality. But one of the most underrated benefits of plants is their ability to promote creativity.
According to a study by Texas A&M University, plants can help improve creativity by up to 15%. The study found that when people were working in a room with plants, they were more creative and productive than those working in a room without plants. So if you're looking for a quick and easy way to boost your creativity, adding some plants to your workspace is a great option.
4. Take Breaks
When constantly working on something, it's easy to become overwhelmed and stressed. This can lead to stagnation and a lack of creativity.
It might seem counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to improve your creativity is by taking breaks. When you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it can be difficult to think creatively. But if you take a few minutes to step away from your work and clear your head, you'll come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the task with fresh ideas.
So, take a break next time you're stuck and see how it helps jumpstart your creativity. A few minutes of downtime can do wonders for your creativity.
5. Change Your Routine
If you find yourself in a creative rut, one of the best things you can do is change your routine. If you typically work at a desk, try working from a different location, like a coffee shop or the library. Or if you usually work during the day, try working at night for a change. Mixing up your routine can help jumpstart your creativity and give you some fresh ideas.
But be careful when changing your routine, as too much change can affect your creativity. It can be difficult to focus and get into a creative flow if you're constantly changing things up. So, find a balance that works for you and stick with it.
6. Get Rid of Distractions
If you want to improve your creativity, it's important to eliminate anything that might be distracting you from your work. This could mean putting away your phone, turning off the TV, or working in a quiet room where you won't be interrupted.
It can be difficult to focus when there are distractions, so getting rid of them is crucial if you want to increase your creativity. Once you eliminate distractions, you'll be able to focus more on your work and come up with more creative ideas.
7. Stimulate Your Mind
If you're having trouble coming up with new ideas, it might help to stimulate your mind with some mental exercises.
One way to do this is by brainstorming. Brainstorming is a great way to generate new ideas and flow your creative juices.
Another option is to try word associations. This involves thinking of a word and then coming up with other words that are associated with it. For example, if you think of the word "cat," you might come up with words like "feline," "animal," or "pet." This exercise can help spark new ideas and help you see things from a different perspective.
8. Take Some Time for Yourself
Having time for yourself is important, away from work and other obligations. This "me time" can help you relax and rejuvenate physically and mentally. When you're well-rested and relaxed, you'll be in a better frame of mind to tackle creative tasks.
So, schedule some time for yourself each day or week, even if it's just for a few minutes. During this time, you can do something that you enjoy, like reading, listening to music, or spending time outdoors. Taking some time for yourself will help improve your creativity and overall productivity.
9. Get Some Exercise
Physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive function and increase creativity. So, if you're feeling stuck, go for a walk or do some other form of exercise to get those creative juices flowing again. You don't have to go all out - even a short 10-minute walk can help improve your creativity.
10. Surround Yourself with Creative People
If you want to be more creative, it helps to surround yourself with other creative people. When you're around others who are constantly generating new ideas, it can rub off on you and help increase your creativity.
So, if you're looking to boost your creativity, seek opportunities to interact with other creative individuals. This could mean attending a networking event, taking a class, or joining a club or organization. By surrounding yourself with creative people, you'll be more likely to come up with new and innovative ideas.
11. Set Up an Ergonomic Workspace
An ergonomic workspace is a workspace that is designed to be comfortable and efficient. By setting up an ergonomic workspace, you can help improve your productivity and creativity.
You can do a few things to set up an ergonomic workspace.
Start by ensuring that your desk and chair are at the proper height. Your desk should be at a height that allows you to type without hunching over, and your chair should be at a height that allows your feet to rest flat on the floor.
Second, invest in a good quality keyboard and mouse. A comfortable keyboard and mouse will help reduce strain on your hands and wrists, increasing productivity and creativity.
Third, make sure your monitor is at the proper height and distance. Your monitor should be at eye level, about an arm's length away from you. Having your monitor at the proper height and distance will make you less likely to experience eye strain or headaches, which can lead to increased creativity.
Theodore Standing Desk-48" W
Among the many ergonomic desks, the Theodore Standing Desk stands out. It combines traditional design with advanced technologies to give you a timeless workspace. The Theodore Standing Desk will be a great addition if you work from home or need to add aesthetics to your office.
It is height adjustable, allowing you to change it from a sitting desk to standing at the push of one button. You can also adjust the height until you are sitting or standing comfortably. The desk is also equipped with built-in USB ports to charge your devices. Thanks to the integrated drawer to store your clutter, you can keep your workspace organized.
12. Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy
It's important to stay hydrated and eat healthy when trying to be creative. Both of these things will help improve your cognitive function and overall health.
So, drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. By staying hydrated and eating healthy, you'll be in a better position to come up with new and innovative ideas.
Final Thoughts
You can do several things to improve your creativity in the workplace. From taking some time for yourself to setting up an ergonomic workspace, there are various ways to increase your creativity. With a little effort, you can find the right combination of strategies that work for you and help take your creativity to the next level. So, don't be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you.
