Lost for inspiration? Here are five techniques you can use to try and coax something new and exciting out of your brain! They won’t always work but try them out and you might just be surprised at how effective they can be.
Go for a Walk
Walks have always been inspiring for a number of reasons. For starters, they allow us to take a break from what we’re doing and to change our environment. In turn, this leads to new input that can help us to gain a new perspective on whatever problem or task we’re wrestling with.
At the same time, walking is a monotonous task that allows our default mode network to kick in. This, essentially, means that we’re daydreaming, which is, often, a source of great inspiration.
Walking is what makes us human. There’s got to be some primal reason this is so powerful.
Ask the Right Questions
Sometimes, inspiration is just about asking the right questions which can help to reframe the problem you’re facing in order to look at it in a new way. For instance, if you’re wondering how to solve a problem and you can’t come up with an answer, try asking yourself how ‘Lana’ would approach it. Likewise, instead of thinking about what you want something to be, decide what you don’t want it to be. We are either compelled to move toward something or get away from it.
Seeing the problem from the other side of the coin can shed a lot of light on our problems.
Take a Break
Quite often, the best thing you can do to spark some creativity or solve a problem is to just take a break. This way, you stop trying to force the idea, which simply creates stress, and instead, you simply let it come to you now that you’ve entered all your input. This is why we’re often encouraged to sleep on big decisions.
Our subconscious mind will continue to work on a problem even when we think we’ve given up on it. How many times have you tried to remember the name of some actress without success, only to have the name jump out at you at a later time, like when you’re in the shower or making a cup of tea? Giving your subconscious mind time to find a solution creates the freedom pond where solutions will swim to the top when they’re ready to present themselves.
Listen to Music
Music can be highly inspiring as it alters our mood and energy level and takes us to different places. Often, you’ll find that music can leave you lost in thought, so try listening to some tracks while you mull over a subject, and see if that helps.
Don’t just stick to one genre either. Sometimes your brain needs opera. Sometimes your brain needs emo goth. Allow yourself to become open to new music and your mind will reach for solutions with a new approach to a problem.
Talk it Over
There’s a myth that ideas take the form of lightbulbs or lightning strikes and that they come in a flash, fully formed. Actually, when questioned, most people admit that their best ideas formulated slowly, that they gestated for days, months, or even years before emerging.
Often, the best ideas are not formed in isolation either but rather when we discuss them with other people. Even if we’re just thinking aloud, this can help us to see new perspectives and will often result in new breakthroughs.
