Staying creative in today’s chaotic world

“Every child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.” – Pablo Picasso

Ever wondered why children are so much more imaginative? The answer is simple. They stress less and their minds aren’t bound by logic. Creativity is essential, and this doesn’t only apply to artists and professionals working in creative industries; creativity boosts problem-solving abilities and improves other vital areas of our lives like health, work and relationships. That’s why it’s important for you to stay creative in your adult years, even if it means doodling in your free time. But it’s getting harder to do so these days, and you’re not the one to blame – it’s the hustle of life. Here’s how you can tap your fountain of inspiration and innovativeness in today’s chaos ridden world.

Escape it.

No, I’m not asking you to quit your job and run off to Bali. I’m talking about the art of detachment. When you’re in a busy environment, plug in your headphones and play some instrumental music, or what you usually listen to while creating. The next time you’re outside and catch yourself daydreaming, don’t stop. You can use it to develop your ability to detach from chaos when you need to. Go on a run before you get started with your activity; physical exercise gives you a break from the world and refreshes your mind. Find a place where you’re completely disconnected from the outside world. This is where you can get in rhythm. Build a space in your home and use it exclusively for creativity. You can go all out with setting up the ideal ambience. Use whatever you fancy – different kinds of lighting, posters of quotes and people who inspire you, even scented candles! Treat it as your special zone. As time goes by, simply being in this space can make you switch to “creativity mode”.

Embrace it!

Sometimes, all it takes to change your relationship with the world is altering your perception. Observe the world’s chaos in all its disorderly glory. Look for patterns, themes and connections. Ask “why” and “how”. Find beauty in the chaos; write about it in your notebook. On days when chaos leaves you feeling frustrated or anxious, tune in to the emotions. Let your energy flow and channelize it to create something – it could be as simple as making pasta with your own twist, or something elaborate like writing a movie script. Do what comes to you naturally at that point; creativity is creativity no matter what form it takes! Embracing the world’s chaos to stay creative is a classic example of turning your stumbling blocks into stepping-stones. Try it and you’ll be delighted by how great it makes you feel.

Takeaway Time

Because creativity is subjective and quite a personal affair, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Each solution may work differently on different days. So you need to give yourself ample time to try things out and find what fits you best. Most importantly, remember to have fun with creativity! Connect with your inner child more often, and you’ll soon find that you’re more in touch with your imagination, even in the midst of chaos.

Contributed by Christina Bird for Tangerine Online Reputation Management