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As someone who has many passions, it can feel as though the lakes of my creativity, once deep and teeming with marine life, have dried up into nothing but rock and mud. Ideas are simply not flowing the way they used to. This can really dampen one’s spirits.

I’ll stop with the water-based puns now, I promise.

Personally, I find idea-generation to be the most difficult aspect of being a self-proclaimed ‘creative’. Often, we’re expected to have these impressive imaginations that stretch far and wide, and maybe we do.

Sometimes, the edges of that imagination can feel as solid as a brick wall.

When this happens, it’s important to remind yourself that this brick wall isn’t real; it can be easily knocked down. While it’s good to take breaks (like taking a stroll outside or getting a good night’s sleep), it can also be beneficial to indulge your creativity in other ways too. That way, you’re taking your mind off the task at hand and still exploring new possibilities, possibly unearthing new passions.

I’ve compiled a list of my favourite hobbies I turn to when I feel creatively blocked, or if I just feel like spending time alone. Let’s dive straight in. That was the last one, I swear.

Drawing/Painting

Probably my first ever hobby. Let me get it out of the way now that you don’t have to be any good at these hobbies to still do or enjoy them. I think people shy away from visual art out of fear that they won’t like the outcome, or that the outcome will be bad. Look, art is subjective. Very subjective. On top of that, it’s important to do things for yourself, not for anyone else. Drawing and/or painting can be liberating – just let your mind (and brush) wander. You don’t have to show it to anyone. Experiment with colour. Focus on that plant pot in front of you and try to replicate it on the page. A blank piece of paper is a true example of endless possibilities.

Photography

I don’t pretend to be a decent photographer, yet I thoroughly enjoy doing it. For most people, their smartphone is simply an extension of their arm and most of these phones have cameras. Photograph anything you find unique or striking. For me, I take photos of things I could potentially paint (whether I follow through with that is a problem for ‘future me’). Whether it’s interesting architecture, scenery or even just clouds in the sky, if the urge overcomes you to capture something – indulge it. You never know what it could lead to. Here are some examples of photographs I have taken.

Scrapbooking

This leads me on nicely to my third hobby. This has been such a therapeutic activity for me that it had to make an appearance on the list. I have a big A3 sketchbook that, in 2018, I dedicated to filling with pictures. Each page is covered with cut up photographs, giant collages and paraphernalia from my favourite memories over the years. I only remember to update it every six months or so, but it is genuinely one of my favourite ways to unwind. I stick on some relaxing music and bring out the scissors and the ole’ Pritt Stick. It’s such a great possession to have – being able to look back on your favourite memories and in a much more creative and fun way than a normal photo album. It’s personal and utterly unique.

Creative Writing

When I was little, and I mean really little, (as in, before I could talk), my favourite thing to do was force my poor mother to write out the alphabet for me. Again, and again, and again. For some unknown reason, I was obsessed with it. When I was a bit older (old enough to talk and write out the alphabet myself), I wrote “poetry” and performed it to my family. Of course, it was awful. But there’s something really freeing about stringing words together in a unique way that is not only personal to you, but new to the world. Not that the world ever needs to see it. Remember, this is for you. What you choose to do with it is entirely your choice.

Now, creative writing is quite the umbrella term. Have a go at poetry, a short story, or even just writing a diary entry about your day. It doesn’t have to be revolutionary. Even one sentence is enough. Writing a page of a diary every morning is one of the best ways to expand your creativity and imagination, and in my opinion, is a way better use of your time and your brain than checking your phone first thing when you wake up.

Create Vision Boards

If you know me personally, you know I’m a planner. I’m a planner who loves Pinterest. Sometimes, there’s nothing better than imagining my dream life and creating a montage of pictures that align with that vision. I have a Pinterest board for just about everything and I am not ashamed. Creating vision boards of where you hope to be is not only a manifestation technique but it’s also a creative outlet.

If you don’t want to vision-board your future (is that a verb?), vision-board your art-style. Maybe you’ve always wanted to write a fantasy novel; this can help you visualise it. Maybe you’re a musician and you’re struggling to come up with a cool album cover.

It doesn’t have to be on Pinterest, either. A friend of mine has a vision board on her bedroom wall with magazine cut-outs and printed pictures. The great thing about vision boards is that there is no right or wrong way to do it. Get creative with it.