The kids are bored, the dogs are restless, and you’re struggling to keep your creative juices flowing. Worried your thoughts are going to go stale? Capitec Bank has got some great ideas that will help you stay creative for the long haul.
Here are 6 ways to stay creative while you’re cooped up at home:
Image: Pexels
1. Set up. Tempted though you might be to sink into the couch, you’ll be more inspired (and productive) if you set up a dedicated workspace. Don’t make it the kitchen or dining-room table, if you have to clear up at the end of a long day, every day. All you need is a small table and a comfy chair, and an area to call your own. Set up with the tools of your trade, whether that means a pile of books, a pot of pencils or just a plug point for your device.
2. Read up. Everyone is looking for inspiration online while they can’t go outside. But be more deliberate about what you read. Instead of spending hours on social media, read about a variety of topics inside and outside your field of expertise. For starters, look to thought leaders in your field. Go to their personal websites and LinkedIn pages and see what they’re saying, doing and reading during these extraordinary times. Let them lead you down beautiful and bizarre rabbit holes.
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3. Watch out. You may not be able to leave the house, but you can still explore. Get stuck into some armchair travel. Want a dose of culture? Take a free virtual tour of 12 museums across the globe, from the Guggenheim to the Van Gogh. Wanderlust more your thing? Pick a few spots you’ve always wanted to visit and search for inspiring images online. Or take a trip to the opera. Well, without leaving the house.
4. Listen up. For a change of pace, switch off the TV or turn over your phone and listen to music or a podcast. But don’t just listen to your favourites: go on Spotify and Apple music and find playlists by friends or celebrities. Newbies should start with TED Talks, Freakanomics and Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations. Or maybe Serial. Or 99% Invisible. Actually, there are too many to list. Ask friends for recommendations and play (and listen) around the top charts.
5. Regroup. Talk to people every day. Be careful not to become bogged down in the onslaught of memes, jokes and fake news surrounding the Covid-19 crisis. Instead, use the opportunity to connect with other creatives. Set up a Whatsapp group with colleagues and connections who inspire you. Share interesting images, inventive thoughts, inspiring podcasts and snippets of information that will challenge you to keep thinking out of the box, even though you may feel that you are literally stuck inside one.
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6. Unplug. Spending all this time alone actually does have its perks. If you can really switch off. Sometimes clearing your mind is the best way to make room for new ideas. Set aside at least 20 minutes every day to sit in silence. Switch off your phone, the radio, your computer and the TV. Find a quiet place to sit and ask family members to pipe down. Focus on your breathing, clear your mind and you’ll find ample room for fresh ideas.
