Paige Norwood – staff writer

When you’re lacking creativity and devoid of motivation, it can feel like you’re hitting a brick wall. In order to avoid frustration, I’ve compiled a list of useful tips to (hopefully) get your creative juices flowing freely.
Go for a scenic drive.
This suggestion may sound ludicrous because Foothill is trapped in the heart of Californian suburbia, but there are plenty of surprisingly beautiful routes you can take nearby. One of my favorite roads to drive is PCH, a blissful byway that lies adjacent to the awe-inspiring Pacific Ocean.
Start a journal of interesting vocabulary words.
While this comes across as somewhat geeky, writing down new words is a lot more fun than it sounds. Not only is this a good way to expand your vocabulary (and potentially impress your English teacher) but also you’ll gain the potential to enhance your creative writing skills (assuming you use the words correctly, that is). For those who are less language-oriented, try starting a notebook of unique art project ideas or recipes you’d like to try.
Go for a brisk walk.
There is no better way to resolve a lack of creativity than a nice walk to appreciate the natural world. As we saw during the Romanticism era of 18th century Europe, na ture provided solace from the anxieties of industrialization and served as a key element in many literary and artistic works. Most importantly, however, it is scientifically proven that exercise can strengthen neural connections and quicken neural transmission.
Read, read, read.
Reading is one of the best activities to boost creativity, especially for writers and artists. Analyzing and imitating the work of like-minded creators may supply you with an abundance of ideas for artistic endeavors. If you’re vehemently opposed to literature and reading, browse Pinterest or another site for inspiration. The internet is a hub of artwork, poetry, and intriguing photos ready to ignite your imagination.
Use random generators.
For artists and writers, random generators turn the traits and personalities of your characters into a spontaneous, unpredictable game of fate. This fun trick works equally well for choosing meals to cook, places to eat, or activities to do during your day. The app I use is called Wheel, although you can easily find other random generators through a quick internet search. If you seem to be lacking inspiration entirely, try a story prompt or sketch idea generator to kickstart the creative process.
Of course, these suggestions may not work for everyone. Sometimes listening to music, talking with others, or simply allowing your thoughts to roam is the best cure for lost creativity. Regardless of your method of choice, art is a wonderful way to get in touch with your emotions, express your inner thoughts, and experiment with the unbridled passion of your imagination.