Monotony could be considered the kryptonite to creativity- making this ongoing pandemic its worse nightmare. Waking up to a Groundhog's Day scenario day in and day out could mean certain death to your inspired creativity- so here are some ideas to keep things interesting.
1. Put time on your side- and work with it not against it.
There are numerous studies that point out which times of day are the most productive- here are some highlights:
This study found that workers’ cortisol levels were significantly increased when exposed to stress later in the day as opposed to the morning. "The hormone also restores balance after a stressful event, which means that you will be better able to settle down again after a high-pressure morning." Take away: schedule the presentation or call with the boss in the morning
According to this BBC article, based on circadian rhythms, about 75% of people tend to be most mentally alert between 9am and 11am. It also points out that you are most productive on Mondays and Tuesdays, with 40.6% of all tasks completed on these days. Productivity falls as you approach the end of the week and apparently little to nothing is accomplished on the weekends- go figure. Take away: Monday morning you're a powerhouse
2. Use music as a tool.
Just as an embellished soundtrack of a movie is used to build suspense and keep the audience captivated- it can be used to keep you focused and interested in your projects. Keep playlists varied - Vintage French while designing florist's website, 90's Hip Hop to inspired a youth oriented marketing campaign. Pleasurable music may lead to the release of neurotransmitters associated with reward, such as dopamine- and who doesn't love dopamine. Take away: There's a reason Spotify stock is on the rise
3. Walk it out.
If you find yourself stuck in a rut- it's amazing what a ten minute walk can do for your psyche. Sometimes, if I'm super stressed or worried about a deadline, a walk seems to be the worst idea- but studies show that as little as 10-15 minutes can improve your well-being. Walking triggers your brain to release endorphins, natural cannabis-like brain chemicals (endogenous cannabinoids) and other natural brain chemicals, mentally preparing you to get back in the saddle and create. Take away: When you're stuck- go around the block