It’s time to get creative!!! Every January, creativity is celebrated, and you have the opportunity to let your imagination run wild to create something new.

You can celebrate by sharing your creativity with others, whether it’s through painting, cooking, gardening, or taking photos. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you’re creative and have fun doing it.

What is creativity?

Creativity is a fundamental part of what makes us human, and we use it every day. It’s the source of our most creative ideas, and in some cases, can be used to solve seemingly impossible problems.  Creativity is the ability to come up with new and original ideas. This is an important trait to have, and it can be one of the most fun parts of life. Creativity helps you think outside of the box. Think beyond what is already known. It is also a way of expressing yourself.

How to be more creative

Sometimes it can be difficult to come up with creative ideas when we need them. People use many techniques to spark creativity, like brainstorming or journaling, but some things can get in the way of our creativity, such as stress or anxiety. Here are some ways you can get those creative juices flowing.

4 ways to spark your creative side:

1. Paint, draw, build, knit, sew, etc.

The act of engaging in something creative helps you be more creative. This might sound obvious, but just picking up a pencil, paintbrush, or instrument has proven to fire up your brain to think more innovatively. So, just begin! Don’t overthink it. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. If you struggle to start, here is a 30-day drawing challenge you can try out: 30-Day Drawing Challenge

2. Watch or listen to inspiring videos or podcasts.

One of the best things to help you open your mind to endless possibilities is watching a few TEDTalks! There are so many motivating talks that encourage you to be more artistic. Watch the American artist Janet Echelman’s talk on “Taking imagination seriously”, Tim Brown’s Tales of creativity and play, or the talk “4 lessons in creativity” by Julie Burstein, to only name a few.

Here is a list of some of the best creativity podcasts you can listen to: Best 40 Creativity Podcasts

3. Stop doing anything.

This might seem like the opposite of trying to be creative, but it has been proven that switching off all digital devices that bombard us with information every day gives our brain a chance to think for itself. An interesting article from Wired states that boredom can be a “meaningful experience” – one that drives us to think deeper and more creatively. Nowadays, we always have the world’s entertainment and information in our pocket that causes us to never have a chance for our minds to wander off and think of new ideas.

4. Get moving.

A little bit of daily exercise every day gets the heart pumping and the blood flowing. This again gets oxygen to the brain, which helps us think clearer! This also helps get you in a good mood and get you more inspired to do something. Also, don’t underestimate the positive effect nature or being outside can have on a fatigued mind.

Remember, when it comes to being creative, don’t judge yourself. Just create. This is your opportunity to be your own unique self. No one is going to evaluate your work. This is just for yourself. Sylvia Plath once said: “The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt”. Get motivated and believe in yourself. There are no rules when it comes to being creative.

For some extra inspiration, go to our social media platforms. We share fun and creative things to do every day. Get everything you need as a creator at your nearest PNA store.

Now go out there and show the world how much of a creator you are! What are you going to do this month to show your creative side? Share it with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Happy International Creativity Month, creators!