Reading Stimulates Creativity
Want to Be More Creative?
If you continually struggle with the idea that you are not creative, you are not alone. There are many people who believe they are not creative at all. This is unfortunate because everyone has a creative side even though it may be hidden at the moment. You were certainly creative as a child, which means that it is still there – you have simply forgotten how to use it.
With a little effort, time, and practice, you will once again be able to access your creativity. A great tool for this purpose is to read voraciously on a wide range of subjects. Reading stimulates creativity by exercising your brain and getting your creative juices flowing.
We are talking about serious reading! Facebook, blog posts, short articles, magazines, and the like are fun diversions; but, they will never stimulate your brain the way a good book will . . . and this is why . . .
Reading Stimulates Your Brain
Every champion athlete works hard to keep his/her body fit in order to be a strong competitor. The same effort is required to keep your brain fit in order for it to function at top efficiency. The brain must be stimulated and exercised regularly for creativity to flow. This is important.
With a simple tweak to your daily schedule, you can easily exercise your magnificent brain every day. All you have to do is select a good book and set aside 20 minutes to read (in a quiet place) where you will not be disturbed. For me, the perfect time is just before bedtime.
Don’t get stuck in a rut and always read the same type of books. Stretch yourself and choose different genres. If you normally read romance novels, try a historical novel, a biography, or non-fiction. Those 20 minutes of daily reading in a variety of subjects will help you look at the world differently and stimulate your imagination and creativity.
Reading Improves Your Concentration
The 21st Century brought in a continual stream of new technology. We are constantly being bombarded with new gadgets, which keep us “plugged-in” all the time to what is happening in the world around us (much of it negative). This makes life interesting, but can be very distracting. As a result, it takes effort to focus and concentrate on just one thing.
In addition to the electronic leash, multi-tasking has become a way of life. In other words, life is intense. You need a break every day from the intensity. It is wise to unplug yourself for a period of time and let go of the negativity.
Reading allows you to do that. To be fully engaged with a book, you must focus on what you are reading and ignore distractions, which improves your concentration skills. Re-learning to concentrate and focus is great exercise for your brain – and also strengthens your creative thinking skills. The ability to concentrate definitely enhances creativity.
Reading Increases Your Vocabulary
Reading is one of the best ways to increase your vocabulary. So what, you ask – what does that have to do with creativity? Being fluent in your native tongue and having a big vocabulary play a big role in your ability to create, especially if you are an author, free-lance writer, blogger, etc.
All of the writers I know are big readers. In fact, they will tell you that they read everyday. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows. This will show up in your writing – words will flow more freely. You may even be surprised at the new words you begin to use. Being able to express yourself well is a wonderful creative gift to give yourself.
PLUS…reading is fun. Books take you to exciting places and into interesting situations – far more than what you will be able to experience personally.
So…what are you waiting for? Grab a book and read every day for at least 20 minutes. Start exercising your brain and watch your creative thinking skills rapidly improve.
Photo Credit: Tigh Neachtain 2 via photopin (license)
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