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From the moment we get up in the morning, we’re constantly bombarded with distractions that can take us away from accomplishing our goals. Whether you’re trying to focus on your business plan or complete a design project for your ecommerce business, it can be difficult to get into the zone. By developing a daily routine and implementing a few productivity hacks, you can increase your creativity and boost your work output.
Whether you work for a big company or a small business, staying creative and innovative is crucial. Here are some tips for doing just that:
Train your brain
Our brain is like a muscle, if you don’t use it, you lose it. Games like Brain Age, Minigolf World, Hero Rescue ,Space invaders and other puzzle games can help keep your mind sharp. I personally like games that help improve critical thinking skills like The Sorcerer and Hero Rescue.
Boost your motivation
Motivation is a big factor in how creative we can be. If we feel unmotivated or if we don’t think we have the resources to accomplish something, our creativity will decrease.
Immerse yourself in nature
It’s no secret that being around nature makes you happier and helps you relax. That effect is so powerful that some experts have even suggested that employee happiness is directly linked to the health benefits of being near trees.
Sleep more
Sleeping can help you clear your mind and generate more ideas. Sleep deprivation has been linked to creativity issues and even Alzheimer’s disease. However, studies have shown that brain activity is higher during REM sleep, which keeps your brain in a creativity mode even when you are asleep. Sleep can help you clear your mind and generate more ideas. Noise can be distracting at the office, but there is some evidence that it can also help creative problem solving.
Play music
Clear your desk of clutter before you start to brainstorm new ideas or come up with a new project. This way, it will be easier to see what’s standing in the way of progress. Play music when you’re stuck with something you need to figure out. A study from Bristol University found that people were able to solve 36% more problems when they listened to music, versus working in silence. Even if it wasn’t Mozart or Beethoven, music made people more creative.
Go for a walk
One of the best exercises for the creative process is exercise itself. Don’t worry about going to the gym; simply walk or run outside while listening to your favorite music. This can be a great way to get inspired as you get some fresh air and move your body.
Work With Others
Collaborating with others is a great way to get innovative solutions to problems and new perspectives on how something should work. Think of it like a brainstorming session and get as many ideas as possible. The more information and perspective the better.
Use your lunch break
Studies have shown that people who take time out during the day to reflect or meditate are more creative than those who don’t. So, take some time during your lunch break to escape and reflect on the day, or listen to some classical music for ten minutes.
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Image source: Pixabay.com
