5 Tips for Stimulating Creativity in a Virtual Environment
Personally, one of the hardest parts of the COVID-19 pandemic was being a student in creative programs and learning virtually. I constantly felt like my work wasn’t reflecting my ability and I could not come up with ideas to save my life. Lack of inspiration was already an issue for creative people, but the pandemic made it worse.
One of the most important lessons I learned during the pandemic was how to inspire myself and be productive when it felt like it was impossible to do so. Here are my top 5 tips for stimulating creativity in a virtual environment:
1) Decorate, Rearrange, and Spice up your Space
Learning virtually confined us to limited spaces. We lost the ability to sit at a favorite coffee shop, camp out in the library, or retreat to our favorite campus study spots. I found inspiration by filling my bedroom with things that I loved. From vinyl cases, to plants, to pictures of friends and family, I had it all. Also, never use overhead lighting. Lamps, lamps, lamps! Being in a colorful, vibrant, exciting, and comfortable space helped me get inspired and focus. I loved spending time in my room and it became somewhere I can think, focus, and get inspired!
2) Put on a ‘Fit
The urge to throw sweats on before your zoom classes is tempting, I get it. However, the phrase, “dress for success” is true! Take some time to shower, do your skincare routine, style your hair, and put on an outfit that makes you feel good. Just because you aren’t in public, doesn’t mean you can’t look and feel good about yourself. Personally, my sweatpants go on when I am done with my work for the day. My brain knows that if I am wearing a ‘fit, it’s time to get some work done! This small detail can help your brain know when to be in work mode and when to be in relaxation mode.
3) Designate your Spaces
Never, I repeat, never do your homework in your bed! Our brains can be trained to feel certain things in certain situations. If you do homework on your bed, your brain will think that lying on your bed means it’s time to focus on school, which will make it hard to sleep. During the height of the pandemic, I would make my bed every morning and only do homework at my desk. This way, my brain knew that my bed was for sleeping and my desk was for working. This helped me be more productive during the day and get a better night’s sleep!
4) Do Things for You
Make sure to set aside time to do something you love that makes you feel good! Nothing engages your brain more than doing something that makes you happy. Whenever I would feel stuck or get frustrated, I would pick up my guitar and play something! Your entire life does not have to be dedicated to work or school, you are allowed to do things for yourself! Meditate, learn an instrument, read, workout, do something that makes you feel engaged and happy!
5) Get Outside!
“Pandemic” walks were my favorite way to re-enter a creative headspace. Get out of your house, apartment, or dorm and just start walking. Put on your favorite music or podcast and take in what’s around you. Find inspiration in graffiti, murals, buildings, houses, anything in your neighborhood. Before starting a huge assignment or creative project, I would walk somewhere I have never walked before and try to find inspiration in the mundane. Surprisingly, ideas are everywhere. You just have to look!