© Shutterstock

Try something new -

Living the same routine every single day tends to inhibit creativity.

© Shutterstock

Try something new -

A simple break in that routine, such as cycling instead of walking to work, can help to refresh the mind.

© Shutterstock

Write down ideas -

Writing down your ideas will rid you of the fear you’re going to forget them, thus freeing your mind to come up with new ones.

© Shutterstock

Write down ideas -

The technique of "brain-dumping" is a great strategy for optimizing the creative outlet.

© Shutterstock

Spend time with good friends -

The deep conversations we have with those closest to us are great for creative thinking.

© Shutterstock

Spend time with good friends -

Why not take the time to have coffee with an old friend, or phone a loved one?

© Shutterstock

Listen to music -

Research shows that listening to music stimulates the area of the brain responsible for motor actions, emotions, and creativity.

© Shutterstock

Listen to music -

Classical music is thought to be the most creativity-boosting, but any genre will do if classical is not your cup of tea.

© Shutterstock

Get a second opinion -

Asking for another person’s thoughts on a matter can refresh your perspective and generate a new mental pathway.

© Shutterstock

Get a second opinion -

So, stop trying to come up with everything yourself and ask your friend what they think.

© Shutterstock

Meditate -

Meditation enhances divergent thinking, a state of mind that is conducive to coming up with new ideas.

© Shutterstock

Meditate -

So next time you’re stuck for new material, take a few minutes to meditate.

© Shutterstock

Think about something far away -

Studies have shown that thinking of something far away (in time or location) is conducive to improved problem-solving abilities.

© Shutterstock

Think about something far away -

Imagine yourself sipping cocktails on a tropical island and you may just come up with a solution to that nagging problem.

© Shutterstock

Write by hand -

According to Carrie and Alton Barron, authors of ‘The Creativity Cure,’ writing by hand is better for creativity than using a computer.

© Shutterstock

Write by hand -

So for your next project, try opting for a notebook instead of your Macbook.

© Shutterstock

Gesture with both hands -

Somewhat surprisingly, one study has shown that explaining something with two hands helps us to view situations from multiple perspectives.

© Shutterstock

Gesture with both hands -

Next time you’re telling a story, be sure to get those hands involved.

© Shutterstock

Exercise your eyes -

According to one study, moving your eyes back and forth boosts the interaction between the left and right sides of the brain.

© Shutterstock

Exercise your eyes -

It might look silly, but getting those eyes in gear may just give your creativity the boost it needs.

© Shutterstock

Lie down - Research has shown that people are better at solving anagrams when they're lying down instead of standing up.

© Shutterstock

Lie down -

What better way to get those creative juices flowing than to spend a few minutes horizontal?

© Shutterstock

Laugh -

According to some studies, being in a good mood increases the likeliness of creativity.

© Shutterstock

Laugh -

Even if you’re not feeling particularly cheery, busting out a laugh will in itself enhance your mood.

© Shutterstock

Exercise -

According to the Barrons, exercise loosens the body and frees the mind.

© Shutterstock

Exercise -

It also improves your mood, which is double the creativity-boosting effects. 

© Shutterstock

Spend time outdoors -

Spending time in the great outdoors is brilliant for creativity.

© Shutterstock

Spend time outdoors -

Simply taking a 10-minute stroll will stimulate those senses and help you to access your creative genius.

© Shutterstock

Sleep -

Sleep allows the mind to process the day’s experiences and shed new light on them.

© Shutterstock

Sleep -

If it’s not time for bed, a short nap will also work wonders for your perspective.

See also: Imaginative workspaces to inspire creativity

© Shutterstock