GETTING CREATIVE

I have days when I feel like I am brain dead. Oh my body is functioning though in low gear but my mind has gone on vacation without me. There might be a hundred or more reasons/causes from not enough sleep to seeing the sunshine outside and thinking I might need/want a holiday in the sun. Doesn’t matter what’s behind it… I still have writing to do if I intend to meet my deadlines (whether from an editor or in order to meet my own goals).

So how does one recharge the mind? Or kick it into gear? I found this great site where the author gives 15 ways to boost creativity:

http://justcreativedesign.com/2007/12/01/15-ways-to-recharge-your-brain/

So I thought I’d list 10 (I couldn’t think of 15) ways I know that work for me (and remind myself to do them when I am having a down day creatively.)

Have a nap. Not only does it recharge the batteries, but all my life I have made up stories as I fall asleep so it really does get me going (sometimes.)
Go for a walk. A long meditative walk. It helps to take a notebook and pen in case any really REALLY good ideas should show up.
Use a notebook, paper and pen and write down something. Anything. My reasons for not writing. YMy problems with the story. What I need to do next. Pen and paper are different mediums and perhaps stimulate a different part of your brain–hopefully the part that is sleeping.
Do something mindless–laundry, vacuuming, baking cookies. Again–keep pen and paper handy.
Go fill the senses. Enjoy the flowers, fabrics in a quilt store, a collection of china and pottery, visit an art gallery or museum. Sometimes time away is exactly what is needed.
Use large sheets of paper and colored crayons and pencils to do mind mapping or scribbling, or doodling.
Have a nap. Oh yeah. I already said that. Just saying…
Have a cup of coffee and a cookie. Stare out the window or read a magazine as you enjoy it. After all, my brain deserves a holiday once in awhile.
Read a list of your successes. You do keep one, don’t you? I don’t but I can read my list of published books and remind myself I can do this.
My all-time favorite–call a writing friend and talk about my story or about the challenges of being a writer. I am always encouraged and ready to work after that lifeline.