Think about where you were when you last got a good idea or solved a problem. Maybe you were taking a shower, or walking in the forest, or picking shells on the beach. But most likely you were not at work.
Your brain functions so that it constantly stores new impressions. When you struggle with a problem to be solved, the brain needs time to process the problem and relate it to all the information it has already stored.
This is an subconscious process that takes time and cannot be forced. It usually works most efficiently when you do something completely different. Ideally when you are in a place where you can be undisturbed and completely relaxed and your thoughts can roam freely without any requirement to perform or to deliver. It was probably not a coincidence that Archimedes got his Eureka experience when he was taking a bath.
Seven tips how to get more time for yourself
- Begin the week or month by planning time for yourself. Plan for moments when thoughts can flow freely, just as you plan time for work, sports and other activities.
- Walk for half an hour each day. Daylight has a positive impact on your emotions and creativity. Therefore, try to go out in the middle of the day during the winter months.
- Find your own spots in nature, by the water or in a park, where to you can often return and just be.
- Try as far as possible to find longer moments (one hour or more) with completely unfragmented time when nothing is disturbing you. Turn off your mobile, place a busy sign on the door and keep your fingers away from the mail.
- Create conscious time delays. Stay in bed for a while after you wake up and just think of something positive. Sit alone for a while after the meeting. Let the creative thoughts catch up with you.
- Sit down or lie down for a while at regular intervals without any “agenda” for your thoughts. Just register what happens in your mind. Then write down your thoughts.
- Be sure to vary your activities depending on the amount of energy and intensity. You need rest to be able to cope. Without the night there is no day.
Illustration: Pixabay.com – Tama66
Creativity boost 