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Top 6 Favourite Pastimes to Boost Creativity and Unlock Your Inner Genius

  • Abhiram Yadavalli
  • Jan 4
  • 6 min read


Top 6 Favourite Pastimes to Boost Creativity and Unlock Your Inner Genius
Top 6 Favourite Pastimes to Boost Creativity and Unlock Your Inner Genius


Creativity isn’t reserved for artists or inventors alone; it’s a powerful skill everyone can cultivate. Whether you’re facing a mental block at work, struggling with writer’s block, or simply want to add more creativity to your daily routine, engaging in certain hobbies can give your mind the space it needs to flourish.


In this blog, we’ll explore six favourite pastimes that not only serve as enjoyable distractions but also act as powerful tools to boost your creativity. Let’s dive into the world of imagination and productivity!


1. Journaling or Creative Writing: Unlock Your Thoughts


Sometimes, the best way to spark creativity is to simply put pen to paper. Journaling isn’t just about documenting your day; it’s a practice that can help you explore your emotions, ideas, and inner thoughts, unlocking hidden creative potential. Creative writing allows you to step into alternate worlds, imagine new scenarios, and experiment with different writing styles.


How It Boosts Creativity:


  • Clears Mental Clutter: Writing regularly helps declutter your mind, giving you room to think more clearly and creatively.

  • Fosters Free Thinking: By writing freely without worrying about grammar or structure, you allow your ideas to flow without constraints.

  • Improves Emotional Expression: Writing helps you express complex emotions and thoughts, which can lead to breakthroughs in creativity.


How to Get Started:


  • Keep a Daily Journal: Start by writing for 10 minutes every morning or night. Don’t worry about structure—just write whatever comes to mind.

  • Use Prompts to Stimulate Ideas: Try prompts like “If I could live anywhere, it would be…” or “Describe a world where time moves backwards.”

  • Experiment with Genres: Write a short story, poem, or even try your hand at scriptwriting.


Creative writing not only boosts creativity but also provides a therapeutic escape. Don’t know where to start? Check out our creative writing tips in the BestSixThings blog for more inspiration.


Want to dive deeper? Check out our guide to journaling tips in the BestSixThings blog!


2. Sketching and Doodling: Let Your Imagination Run Wild


You don’t need to be a professional artist to benefit from sketching. Doodling and sketching are simple, yet effective ways to break the monotony and engage your mind in creative expression. The simple act of drawing helps activate the brain’s creative centers, allowing you to think outside the box.


How It Boosts Creativity:


  • Enhances Visual Thinking: Sketching helps you visualize abstract ideas and concepts, making them easier to articulate later.

  • Promotes Relaxation: Doodling reduces stress and anxiety, helping to clear the mind and refresh your creative energy.

  • Improves Problem-Solving Skills: Sketching out concepts visually can help you think about problems from different angles.


How to Get Started:

  • Start with Basic Shapes: If you’re new to sketching, start with simple shapes like circles and squares, then move on to more complex designs.

  • Doodle Throughout the Day: Doodle during meetings or while watching TV to engage your mind in a non-structured way.

  • Use Online Tutorials: Try free resources on platforms like YouTube to learn basic techniques and improve your skills.


The beauty of sketching is that it doesn’t require expensive materials or fancy tools. All you need is a pencil and a notebook to get started. Try incorporating color or textures to make your sketches even more dynamic.


Love art? Find inspiring ideas on the BestSixThings blog!


3. Gardening: Cultivate Creativity Through Nature


Gardening is a highly underrated creative pastime. While it requires patience and care, it offers a sense of accomplishment that fuels creativity. Whether you have a sprawling garden or a few potted plants on your balcony, gardening provides a sensory experience that stimulates creative thinking.


How It Boosts Creativity:

  • Nurtures Patience and Planning: Gardening requires planning, creativity in design, and patience as you wait for plants to grow and bloom.

  • Stimulates Senses: The colors, smells, and textures of nature can inspire fresh ideas and innovative solutions.

  • Encourages a Hands-On Approach: Gardening teaches you to experiment and problem-solve—whether it’s dealing with plant diseases or figuring out how to arrange plants aesthetically.


Simple Ways to Start:

  • Start Small: Begin with easy-to-care-for plants like succulents or herbs.

  • Create a DIY Garden Design: Experiment with different plant arrangements and even create a small herb garden for your kitchen.

  • Focus on Seasonal Gardening: Try growing seasonal flowers or vegetables to engage with nature through the changing seasons.


Gardening also promotes mindfulness, which is essential for creativity. The time you spend nurturing plants can lead to moments of clarity that inspire new ideas.

Explore how gardening nurtures creativity in our exclusive posts at BestSixThings.


4. Learning a Musical Instrument: Express Yourself Through Sound

Music is an incredibly powerful form of creative expression. Learning to play an instrument is a rewarding experience that can spark new creative pathways. Whether you play the piano, guitar, or ukulele, learning an instrument encourages you to think creatively and approach problems from different angles.


How It Boosts Creativity:

  • Improves Cognitive Skills: Playing an instrument enhances cognitive abilities like memory, concentration, and coordination.

  • Encourages Self-Expression: Music is a universal language, and playing an instrument allows you to express emotions and creativity in unique ways.

  • Increases Emotional Awareness: The ability to convey emotions through music builds empathy and strengthens creative thought.


Pro Tip:

  • Start with an Easy Instrument: If you’re new to music, start with an instrument that’s easy to learn, such as the ukulele or keyboard.

  • Use Online Learning Apps: Platforms like Simply Piano or Yousician offer structured lessons to help you progress quickly.

  • Experiment with Different Genres: Don’t limit yourself to one genre—experiment with classical, jazz, pop, or even your own compositions.


Music nurtures creativity because it requires both discipline and freedom. It can take you out of your comfort zone and encourage exploration.

Interested in picking up an instrument? Let BestSixThings guide you!


5. Cooking or Baking: Unleash Your Inner Chef

Cooking and baking might seem like practical tasks, but they are also wonderful outlets for creativity. The process of combining ingredients, experimenting with flavors, and creating visually appealing dishes is a form of art. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to taste the fruits of your labor!


How It Boosts Creativity:

  • Encourages Experimentation: Cooking invites you to mix flavors, textures, and colors, allowing for endless experimentation.

  • Stimulates the Senses: The act of cooking stimulates your senses—taste, smell, touch, and sight—making it a holistic creative experience.

  • Promotes Problem-Solving: Adjusting recipes, figuring out substitutions, and plating food all require creative solutions.


Creative Ideas:

  • Try New Recipes: Don’t just stick to the basics; explore international cuisines or create your own fusion dishes.

  • Bake Custom Desserts: Challenge yourself to make cakes or cookies in creative shapes or designs.

  • Experiment with Presentation: Learn about plating and food styling to make your meals visually stunning.


Cooking can be therapeutic and helps to break the routine, offering a creative outlet that you can enjoy daily.

Discover creative cooking hacks on the BestSixThings blog!


6. Photography: Capture Life’s Beauty Through Your Lens

Photography is more than just clicking pictures—it’s about storytelling. It’s about capturing moments, perspectives, and emotions that can’t be put into words. Whether you use a professional camera or your smartphone, photography challenges you to see the world differently.


How It Boosts Creativity:

  • Enhances Observation Skills: Photography encourages you to notice details others might miss, boosting your ability to think creatively.

  • Encourages Experimentation: The technical aspects of photography—lighting, angles, and composition—push you to experiment and innovate.

  • Improves Storytelling Skills: Every photograph tells a story, and creating compelling images challenges you to think critically and creatively.


How to Begin:

  • Learn Basic Techniques: Start by mastering the basics of photography, like the rule of thirds and lighting.

  • Experiment with Different Styles: Try different genres like portrait, landscape, or street photography to expand your creative range.

  • Edit Your Photos: Use apps like Snapseed or Lightroom to enhance your photos and bring out their creative potential.


Photography allows you to capture the world as you see it, offering a unique creative perspective.

Uncover photography tips on BestSixThings for beginners and pros alike!


Final Thoughts:


The journey to enhancing your creativity starts with the activities you choose to engage in. These six pastimes—journaling, sketching, gardening, learning an instrument, cooking, and photography—are not only enjoyable but also serve as powerful tools to unlock your creative potential.


By dedicating time to these activities, you’re not only improving your skills but also nurturing your mind to think more creatively. So, pick up that journal, grab your sketchpad, or dive into the kitchen—the world of creativity is waiting for you to explore!


Loved these ideas? Subscribe to BestSixThings for more engaging tips, inspiration, and creative guides that will help you unlock your potential and live your best life!



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