There are many ways to get into the creative mood. Daydreaming, music, incubation, and planned breaks are just some of them. You can choose any or all of them based on your needs and preferences. These can help you find your inspiration in the process of creating or writing.
Daydreaming
Daydreaming, the art of undirected thinking, can help you tap into your creative potential. It can also improve your quality of life by opening up your subconscious. Your unconscious contains a wealth of relevant material, so daydreaming can help you solve problems and overcome inner conflict.
Incubation
Incubation is one of the essential stages of the creative process. This is the time when you sit still, relax, and allow the creative ideas to emerge. It's the part of the process that often seems the most frustrating, since you're sure nothing will come of it. However, the incubation process is actually a vital part of the process, as it allows the creative mind to develop neural connections and deepen its thinking process.
Planned breaks
A planned break can help you refocus and get into a creative mood. This can be helpful when you're stuck or unable to come up with creative ideas. A recent study showed that the optimal balance for creative work is a 52-minute focus followed by a 17-minute break. This balance is determined by the body's Ultradian rhythms.
Music
Listening to music has several benefits for your creative endeavors, including relaxation and inspiration. It is known to engage the default mode network in the brain, a system that is prone to generating new ideas.
Art
To get in the creative mood to write or create art, try to look at the work of other artists for inspiration. This way, you will see how others have tackled the challenges they face while working on their projects. This way, you can apply some of their techniques to your own.
Moodboards
Moodboards are a great way to set the mood for a story. The images that you put together can be personal or based on a theme that you have. You can use them to create a mood board that is close to your writing area, or place them around your home.
Writing prompts
Writing prompts are great tools to get you into the creative mood. They can help you write short stories, poems, or even a novel. Sometimes you may be in a writing rut and need some inspiration. Using these prompts can help you overcome this slump and get into the creative mindset to write.
Visiting an art museum
If you're looking to get into the creative mood for writing or creating, visiting an art museum might be the perfect way to spark your creative juices. When you visit a museum, it's best to limit your time and plan frequent breaks. Most museums have benches for people to rest, and some have cafes or shops. You can also spend time in the gardens or sculpture courtyards. Some people recommend taking a quick tour of the entire museum, while others suggest returning to specific works of art that capture their attention.
Attending an opera
If you want to get in the creative mood to write or create, attending an opera is an excellent idea. Operas are full of stories about different types of people, set in various languages and times. You can find operas from three hundred years ago to today. And you can choose to sit down in the dark and focus on the performance rather than your phone or computer.