7 Ways to Be More Creative in 7 Minutes

Apr 09, 2016

Creativity: As kids we seemed to be bursting with it, but sometimes it feels like an actual strain on our brain when we are asked to “think outside the box” — especially when it comes to being creative at work. But there are a few simple ways to stay creative, and it won’t take you long at all. Scroll on for seven quick ways to boost your creativity in just a few minutes.

1. Imagine yourself as a creative person. When you think of creative people, who comes to mind? Maybe Lady Gaga, J.J. Abrams, Steve Jobs or Beyoncé? Well, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Maryland, if you just think of yourself as a very creative person, you will start thinking more creatively! The study, published at online journal PLOS One, finds that it can be very useful for people to identify “stereotypes that can inhibit or enhance creativity… especially in domains where improving the creative performance of individuals is an important goal.”

2. Think less. Well, this sounds great. But seriously: Clear your mind. This means no texting or phone games, or even reading a silly article. Step away from the screens and go for a walk — just stop thinking. Then come back, and the creative juices will start flowing.

3. Give yourself more brainstorming time. Give yourself more time to just think. Maybe tack on 10 extra minutes to a meeting, or just take a little time on your commute.

4. Make a list of things that make you more creative. What really stimulates you? Is it when you are in a beautiful environment? Maybe you need to be by the sea or just in a place for great people-watching. Or maybe it’s when you’re reading a favorite book? Write down all the situations that help you be more creative, and soon you will find yourself thinking more creatively.

5. Do a boring task. This sounds a little odd, but in a 2014 study, Dr. Sandi Mann from the University of Central Lancashire asked students to find creative uses for two polystyrene cups to test their levels of creativity. Before the test she asked one group to carry out the very boring task of copying phone numbers from a telephone directly. But it turned out that doing that super mundane task made that group come up with way more ways to use the cups than the control group. So maybe delete emails, or clean up your desktop or anything that bores the hell out of you! “Boredom is a fascinating emotion because it is seen as so negative yet it is such a motivating force,” Mann told The Telegraph.

6. Be around more creative people. Who is the most creative person in the office? Try to sit by them in a meeting, and their creativity may literally rub off on you. Why do you think so many great comedy teams work in pairs?

7. Steal ideas. Not from your coworker, but take a cue from how other creative masterminds have worked, and then leverage it. Peter Benchley was inspired to write Jaws because he loved the book Moby Dick. He took an idea that spoke to him but made it his own (and added more teeth.) Just add your own teeth to an already great idea.

What’s your quick solution for being more creative? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know!

This post was previously published on Levo League by Meredith Lepore.

(Photos via Getty)

Fans Will Love This Easy ‘Bridgerton’ Costume For Halloween 2024

The latest season of Bridgerton gave us everything we loved about the first two installments: beautiful design and decor, romance, delicious recipes, and of course, some of the most beautiful costumes ever. Considering we can't pass up the opportunity to recreate memorable and iconic Halloween costumes, we had to give this one a go.

While the regency era might feel over the top, it's actually easier than you might expect to bring this look into your closet. There are only a few pieces you need to bring this look to life, and once you figure out which 'fit, colors, and accessories work for you, you'll have a Halloween costume you can wear for years to come.

The most important part of any Bridgerton costume is a colorful, empire waist dress. Each family in the show has a different color palette so you can base your Halloween costume off of your favorite characters. Since we're big fans of the Bridgerton family themselves, we went with blue ;).

This dress is also a great idea because of how versatile it is — if you have multiple Halloween parties, you can turn it into multiple costumes! Be a Bridgerton one day and a princess the next, or you can even turn it into a The Princess Diaries costume! It's a win-win-win.

Since the dress really steals the show with this costume, you only need a few more period piece-appropriate accessories and you're ready to party. Grab a pair of opera gloves and a tiara that you can add to your updo to really complete the look.

The beauty aspect of this costume is totally up to what you're comfortable with. The show has created its own makeup look that transcends the time period with a little bit of a smokey eye, and curls and jewels that make each character stand out, but you can also keep your hair and makeup plain if you'd rather be historically accurate and simple. Either way, you'll steal the show with this Bridgerton costume!

This post has been updated.

'It Ends With Us' Star Brandon Sklenar's Next Movie Is Another BookTok Favorite

Gretchen Weiners' hair might be full of secrets in Mean Girls, but in Amanda Seyfried's new movie, her life is full of secrets. The Housemaid, based on the novel by Freida McFadden, follows Millie (played by Sydney Sweeney), who's down on her luck and in desperate need of a fresh start. When she snags a job as a housemaid in Nina's (Amanda Seyfried) beautiful home, it looks like things are finally moving in her favor. But all is not as it seems — and it doesn't take long for Millie to realize Nina's secrets are the most dangerous thing about her.

The book, which has sold over 3.6 million copies, has been on the New York Times Bestseller list for over a year and Amazon's Bestsellers list for 98 weeks (talk about popular). It was also the second-most-read title on Kindle for their 10th anniversary, so it's no surprise that the story is getting its own adaptation. Here's everything you need to know about The Housemaid starring Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Brandon Sklenar.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden is getting the movie treatment.
Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney will star as Nina and Millie, respectively, while Brandon Sklenar will star as Andrew.
Seyfried promises fans "I'm gonna do you well."

Who's in The Housemaid movie?

Jon Kopaloff/Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

The Housemaid Cast

The cast of The Housemaid will be led by Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria, Anyone But You) as Millie, Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia!, The Drop Out) as Nina, and Brandon Sklenar (It Ends With Us,Drop) as Andrew. Check back here for the rest of the official cast list!

"I hope [die-hard fans of the book] accept this casting," Seyfried jokes in an interview with Bustle. "I know Sydney's amazing...I can't wait to work with her. I think we're going to have a lot of fun. But also, like, I don't know how people see Nina, my character...I hope they like the casting because the fans are the reason it's being made. So I'm here to tell all the fans that I'm gonna do you well."

"I can’t even express how excited I am to announce that #TheHousemaidMovie is coming soon!!!" McFadden said in an Instagram post. "@Lionsgate has come up with the absolute perfect cast and director, and I am just so grateful! I mean, Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Paul Feig…mind blown!!!! I’m so honored and thankful to all my readers who helped make this dream come true!!!!!"

Is The Housemaid going to be made into a movie?

Anastasia Shuraeva/Pexels

Yes, Deadline announced on October 8 that The Housemaid would become a film, thanks to Hidden Pictures and Lionsgate. Paul Feig will direct, Rebecca Sonnenshine will write the script, and Todd Lieberman, Laura Fischer, and Feig will produce while Alex Young, author Freida McFadden, Sydney Sweeney, and Amanda Seyfried will executive produce.

“I’m thrilled to have The Housemaid join our upcoming slate,” said Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “A great filmmaker and a great cast with a great script from a great book is a terrific place to start.”

“Part of the fun of the book was imagining the cast while we read it, and Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried are perfect for Millie and Nina – they’re both mysterious, nuanced, and incredibly skilled at becoming characters who don’t reveal everything right away,” said Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.

What is the plot of The Housemaid?

Amazon

The Housemaid Plot

Millie has one more chance at starting over, and taking a job as a housemaid for wealthy couple Nina and Andrew is the perfect place to start. But as she cleans, cooks, and takes care of their daughter, Millie quickly realizes her employers are far from perfect — even if they'll do anything to keep up appearances.

When is The Housemaid coming out?

Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels

The Housemaid Release Date

We don't have an official release date for The Housemaid yet, but there's a good chance we could see it in 2025. Stay tuned for more news!

How many books are in the series The Housemaid?

Amazon

Freida McFadden has three books in The Housemaid series: The Housemaid, The Housemaid's Secret, and The Housemaid is Watching.

Is The Housemaid spicy?

hubbugaye/Pexels

There is some sex and violence in The Housemaid, but it's not as overwhelming as some other popular books on the market. One Goodreads user compares the content to what you'd watch in Law & Order: SVU or Criminal Minds. If you're concerned about one of your preteens reading this book, you could always read it first, or start a bookclub and read it together!

Read The 17 Best Mystery And Thriller Books For All Readers while it's still spooky season!

This post has been updated.

pop culture entertainment nsfw movies

45 Of The Best Baby Costume Ideas For Halloween

This Halloween might be your infant’s first, so why not go all out when it comes to their baby costumes? Maybe he or she’s a wee bit young for candy recipes and gummies, but that doesn’t mean you have to sidestep dressing up your kiddo to show ’em off during trick-or-treat time. And, let’s face it: Anything miniaturized is freakin’ adorable. Here are some of the sweetest and most creative infant Halloween costumes to either DIY or buy for your baby this spooky season.

Brit + Co

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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