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)

Oh No! Jessica Simpson & Eric Johnson Announce "Painful" Split After 15 Years Together.

Jessica Simpson and her husband Eric Johnson have decided to go their separate ways. After 10 years of marriage, Jessica revealed on January 13 that they've been "navigating" a "painful situation" that arose in their relationship, three months after sources told TMZ the singer reached out to a divorce attorney. But despite the shift in their relationship status, there's one thing Jessica and Eric are focusing on.

Here's what Jessica Simpson had to say about her split from Eric Johnson.

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson are "focusing" on their kids amid their split.

Jessica Simpson explained her decision to split from husband, former NFL tight end Eric Johnson, with whom she shares three children: 12-year-old Maxwell Drew, 11-year-old Ace Knute, and 5-year-old Birdie Mae.

"Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage," Jessica told People. "Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them. We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family."

The popstar celebrated her kids' return to school in September with a super sweet Instagram post. "Maxwell, Ace and Birdie y’all make your Mom beam with smiles and grace !" she says. "Keep on showin’ up for yourselves with each step of the way through this new school year! I’m so very proud of y’all for individually shining your light so that in return others feel the glow."

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson met in 2010 through a mutual friend, and ended up getting engaged six months after they started dating. They were married in July of 2014, where Maxwell and Ace were the flower girl and ring bearer.

The "I Wanna Love You Forever" singer celebrated their 10th anniversary with an Instagram post in May 2020, saying, "I fell head over slippers in love with this perfect man 10 YEARS ago today! By chance he knocked on my dreamy cottage door (sigh), I let him in and never let him leave. He is mine, I am his…forever."

And the couple's decision to announce their separation comes after Jessica posted about "putting up with everything I did not deserve" and about how "life is short."

"SMILE while you still have teeth," she jokes.

We're sending Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson lots of love. Check out Brit + Co's Weekend Newsletter for more celebrity updates.

'1923' Star Brandon Sklenar Is Already Starring In A Brand New Movie

After his breakout role as Spencer Dutton in 1923, and his take on Atlas in Colleen Hoover's viral It Ends With Us(opposite Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni), there's a very good chance you'll recognize Brandon Sklenar. And if not, it won't take long. In addition to his upcoming roles in thrillers The Housemaid and Drop, the actor will lead a brand new biopic about Olympic rowing champion Brad Alan Lewis (which feels very timely considering his Housemaid costar Sydney Sweeney is starring as boxer Christy Martin!).

Here's everything you need to know about Brandon Sklenar's Brad Alan Lewis biopic, The Olympian.

'The Olympian' script has been a favorite since 2016.

Based on Brad Alan Lewis' Assault on Lake Casitas, the movie follows Brad, who has one last opportunity to compete as a rower in the 1984 Olympics before he ages out. But when he loses his spot on the Olympic team, Brad pairs up with fisherman Paul Enquist to go rogue, beating the official Olympic boat in the national trials and winning America its first gold medal in rowing since 1964. Talk about an underdog story!! (Plus 2+ hours watching Brandon row? Yes please).

Despite the fact the movie's never been made, The Olympian script was on The 2016 Black List, an annual list of popular screenplays that have yet to be turned into movies. But it's finally writer-director Tony Tost's time.

And it's the perfect movie to watch before the 2028 Olympics.

It's still super early in the moviemaking process, meaning we don't have too many details, but considering the 2028 Olympics will once again be held in Los Angeles, there's no better time to bring this inspiring true story to the big screen!

We don't have info on The Olympian cast or release date quite yet, but stay tuned for everything you need to know about this new movie.

Next month, you can watch Brandon in 1923 season 2, which hits Paramount+ February 23 and is the "best thing" the actor's ever read.

"The finale of the series is probably one of the best things I’ve read in my life," he told Forbes. "I’ve kind of known how it was going to end since day one — Taylor [Sheridan] kind of told me. I knew the full arc of Spencer from day one, so in shooting part one, you're mindful of where he needs to go. I’m really excited."

Considering I haven't been able to stop talking about this show since I binged all of season 1 in a couple days, I'm really excited too, Brandon.

Thankfully there are quite a few new Brandon Sklenar movies on the horizon. Hoping to see him as Atlas Corrigan again? Here's what he had to say on a potential It Starts With Us movie.

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50 Ideas To Plan An Epic Galentine’s Day With Your Girlfriends

Valentine's Day is almost here, and whether you're single or happily taken, you can always have an amazing time celebrating the season with your best girlfriends. We're channeling our inner Leslie Knope this Galentine's Day with 50 ideas for spending it with your squad. From gathering your girlfriends for a Galentine's Day party or embarking on an epic road trip, now is the time to plan your February weekend with the best of your friends, near and far.

Scroll on for 50 Galentine's Day ideas to celebrate with your girls!

The Best Galentine's Day Ideas For 2025

Brit + Co

Add Some Pink With These Taylor Swift Fuzzy Dice

Pink is always a good idea when it comes to Valentine's Day decor, so for any of your Galentine's Day parties this year, DIY these Taylor Swift fuzzy dice inspired by "Cruel Summer"! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Make DIY Galentine's Day Candy Boxes

Send your best friends home with adorable candy boxes that may or may not be used as trinket trays later on. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Have A Bachelor Marathon

Calling all Bachelor fans! Catch up on new episodes from your favorite season by hosting a marathon viewing party. Not a Bachelor fan? Try one of these Netflix originals that are perfect for Galentine's Day. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

DIY Galentine's Day Fort

Camp out with your BFFs in this homemade fort that's just as much fun to make as it is to relax in! It's the perfect Galentine's Day idea at home. (via Brit + Co)

A Beautiful Mess

Host A Nail Pampering Galentine's Day Party

Pamper yourself and your BFFs with a nail design party! Put out bottles of their favorite polishes and create a fun playlist of your favorite love songs. (via Brit + Co)

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Host A Galentine's Day Bake-off

BFFs stand together even when they're single or happily taken. Host a delicious bake-off with your gals to see who can get the most creative in the kitchen! (via Brit + Co)

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Make Conversation Heart Care Packages

For friends who live near and far, make these sweet care packages filled with their favorite things. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Host a Galentine's Day Party Game Night

Play Gin Rummy with your favorite gin cocktail, dominoes, charades, whatever floats your game-loving boat! Don't forget the candy charcuterie! (via Brit + Co)

Taylor Simpson

Plan A Girl's Getaway

Here are the happiest cities in the world. Grab your girls and escape winter for an amazing Galentine's Day weekend you'll never forget. (via Brit + Co)

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Take a Class Together

Film photography is cool again. One reason to get creative with your gals with a day of fun learning and doing. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Host a Brunch

Our epic Galentine's brunch menu has everything from red velvet heart waffles to DIY centerpieces to Galentine's card writing stations. Thisgem-inspired brunch is a fun idea, too! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Have A DIY Party With Planters

Get a jump on spring decor with an easy DIY planter party! With a few basic steps, you and your girls can create living wall decor to decorate your space for February and even all the way through the summer months. (via Brit + Co)

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Host a Cookie Party

Check out our list of 30 Valentine's Day cookie recipes and start a holiday cookie tradition, G-Day style! (via Brit + Co)

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Go On A Road Trip With Your Gals

You don't have to spend your Galentine's Day party inside. If you're not near the beach, you can take a day trip instead. Some ideas include visiting a ski resort, going for a hike, or exploring that small town you've been meaning to hit. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Have A Puppy-Love Play Date

Galentine's Day isn't just for humans. Invite your BFFs and their furry friends over for a puppy-love playdate. If you want to keep things a bit more relaxed, host a movie night and ask your friends to bring their dog beds, too.

Aww Sam

Host A Mean Girls Movie Night

Prepare for a cozy night in with your ladies by catching up on one of the most classic flicks (or the newmusical update!). Set the tone for the night with a DIY burn book vase that doubles as a hilarious take-home treat. (via Aww Sam)

Sasha • Stories

Have A Beach Day Picnic

If you live on the coast, host your Galentine's Day gathering at the beach. Make sure you bring your favorite beach bag, a pair of sunglasses, and perhaps some bubbly!

Kelsey Chance

Have A Wine Tasting

You and your girls love your wine, so use the day as an excuse to host your very own rosé tasting party.

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Hit The Slopes

An adventurous way to get outdoors and spend time with your ladies is to take advantage of the snow. Go skiing or snowboarding, or build a snow(wo)man. Then enjoy après ski cocktails!

Brit + Co

Have A Pool Party

If you live in a warmer climate (or have a heated pool), throw a fun G-Day pool party complete with all of the essentials like vino, floaties, and sunhats.

Brit + Co

Host A Parks & Rec Marathon

The best way to celebrate Galentine's Day is by honoring the creator, Leslie Knope, with a Parks and Rec marathon viewing party. Ask your ladies to supply the booze, and you can serve up the snacks and the show — or any of our other favorite feel-good TV shows.

Brit + Co

Host An Outdoor Dinner + Movie

Your ladies deserve a get-together that's sure to give each gal the much-needed fun she deserves. Host a movie and dinner for your ladies, outdoors if the weather permits. Step up your party with favors, swag bags, and a night of unlimited drinks.

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Have A Karaoke Party

What better way to start off your Galentine's Day shindig than by belting out a few tunes with your favorite ladies? Yep, we didn't think we'd have to tell you twice.

Brit + Co

Go on A Hike

Keep up with your health goals with an active day outdoors. It's a great way to bond with your girlfriends and with nature.

No Revisions

Book A Spa Day

What better way to show self love than to book a much-deserved spa day with gal pals. You'll feel refreshed and recharged.

Brit + Co

Zoom With Surprise Takeout

Bestie live in another state? Plan an evening Zoom call and send each other dinner delivery for a fun gab session and thoughtful Galentine's Day gift. Oh, what a night!

More Galentine's Day Party Ideas

A pom pom and lantern wall is literally the perfect way to add some texture to any Galentine's Day party! Plus, you can reuse them for upcoming bachelorette parties and baby showers.

Take a simple white table cloth (bonus points if it's paper) and paint "XOXO" across it for a personalized, romantic addition to your table.

Never underestimate the power of gold letter balloons. They're our favorite!

In lieu of flowers, fill some of your favorite vases with all kinds of red and pink candies.

If a pure candy charcuterie board is overwhelming, opt for a mix — supplement chocolate, marshmallows, and strawberries with meat and cheese for a board that's both lunch and dessert.

Mix up your Galentine's Day party mimosa bar by providing different juices and different garnishes that your guests can choose from.

Letter boards are a super easy and super fun way to add spunk to your party. Plus, they don't take up a lot of room, so that's a win-win for us!

Grapefruit juice is the perfect addition to your Galentine's Day party's pink cocktails — or to sparkling water for a low-key mocktail.

Candlesticks, jars, cake trays, oh my! The more dishes, the better as far as we're concerned.

It's easier than ever to find super cute, super sassy napkins. It's a small touch that goes a long way!

Mini bottles of champagne aren't just good for your Galentine's Day party — have everyone write a goal on their bottle, and wait to pop it until that goal is achieved!

Find heart-shaped plates to add extra romance to your tablescape.

Galentine's Day Party Favor Ideas

Miniature potted plants are as cute as can be, and when they're wrapped in pink napkins? To die for.

Cupid would totally approve of these red candy kabobs.

If you have a collection of white bags for your Galentine's Day party favors, go crazy with the designs! Draw hearts, arrows, or write a little note to each of your friends.

Nothing says "I love you" like knowing your friend's favorites — which means you'll knock beauty product gift bags out of the park.

Red lollipops get a fruity upgrade when you wrap their sticks in green tape. Voilà!! The cherry on top of all your Galentine's Day festivities.

Wall envelopes are the perfect place to stash all your candy — or a super artsy Galentine's Day note.

Less is more with a Galentine's Day party favor that lets your BFF know how much she means to you.

A little bit of thoughtful wrapping makes a colorful bouquet even more beautiful than it already is!

Add tiny bows to all your champagne bottles for a true coquette party theme.

Use a pair of scalloped scissors to turn regular gift bags into something even more eye-catching!

Galentine's Day party favors don't *just* have to be candy and cards — celebrate your friends' hobbies with thoughtful gifts, too!

We'll literally never say no to chocolate, especially when it includes flower petals!

Looking for more reasons to get together with your girls this Galentine's Day? Follow us on Pinterest for even more ideas!

This article has been updated from a previous post with additional reporting by Sarah Koller and Theresa Gonzalez.

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