Getting inspired at the office

As someone who’s forced to be creative on a daily basis, I’ve discovered some “tips and tricks” to help get me inspired when my brain would rather be watching television. Or sleeping. Or thinking about anything other than an assignment.

1. Go to the bathroom even if you don’t really have to.

Leave your cubicle and go sit on a toilet for a little while. Let the mind-numbing hum of the fluorescent lights do its thang. Stay there until somebody comes in to actually poo. When you get back to your desk, your legs might be asleep but your brain will be refreshed.

2. Write curse words on scratch paper over and over.

Filling up a page with “F***” or “S***” or “I HATE MY LIFE” can be especially helpful in venting frustration and clearing your mind. Just toss it before you leave for the day, or someone will find it and think you’re a serial killer. Case in point: the cleaning lady has stopped cleaning my desk.

3. Stare blankly into space.

Set your gaze upon a common area for a few minutes. Eventually, your eyes will glaze and your brain will begin producing theta waves, similar to brain activity during the beginning stages of sleep. These waves effectively “reset” the mind. Also, it’s fun to see passersby make awkward eye contact with you.

4. Take a nap under your desk.

Have you ever been under there? You know, for an extended period of time, not just to plug in some shit. It’s quite an experience, in addition to a great hiding spot. Pretend you are a cat, or a lost baby, and then take a nap. New perspectives pave the way for new ideas. So do naps.

5. Draw a coworker.

Quickly sketch a caricature of a coworker and give it to them. The worse it is, the better. Their joy and laughter will give you a boost of endorphins, which are necessary when trying to ideate. They’ll also hang it up in their cube and think you’re a real artiste and talk about you to all their friends.

So there you have it. 5 tips to get you through the day. Have a great weekend!

1 year ago  /  4 notes