We’ve all been there. No new ideas are coming. You've been trying to solve the same problem for days. Or maybe you’ve been stuck editing the same article for hours, and it’s not coming out the way you want.

That’s me right now, trying to eek out this post word by painful word. Is it me? Or maybe it’s the space I’m in. Let’s dive in and see how my physical space may be impacting my creativity.

Overall, while creativity ultimately comes from within, your physical environment plays a crucial role in either nurturing or inhibiting it. Before you abandon your creative pursuit altogether, consider changing up your physical environment to be conducive to creativity.

Here’s how:
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It’s a common misconception that you must wait for inspiration to create, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to be in a stimulating environment that can inspire creativity.

Locate a local museum.
Go on an impulse or plan a trip. Even a few minutes around great works of art can make a difference. Many museums have free days so you don’t have to spend any money.

Browse a bookstore.
You can look for resources to solve your problem or get lost in a great story to give your brain a break from reality.

​Go to an art supply store.
This is a perfect source of inspiration if you’re not feeling particularly creative. Walk up and down the aisles to see what’s out there. Chat with the staff about the hobbies they are into.

Take a walk in nature.
On a grand scale, being in nature gives us a sense of awe. You can feel that the world is big, and you are but a small part of it. This can lead to expansive thinking and innovative ideas.

On a small scale, it gives you a break and a chance to walk around and move your muscles, which is linked to creativity.

​Walk around your neighborhood.
As mentioned with nature, just the act of walking can give you a creative boost. For extra credit, especially if it’s a walk you’ve taken a thousand times, walk the route backward. Don’t listen to music or a podcast. Pay attention to things you’ve never noticed before.

Work somewhere new.
Some examples would be a coffee shop or library. Depending on your work, a museum may even be suitable.

Do you use a laptop at work? Take it out of your office. Sure, you’ll get some funny looks or curious questions at work, but the more you do it, the less weird it will seem, and you may even inspire others to do the same.
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Take a few minutes to tidy your space before getting to work. A word of caution: this can be a gateway to “procrasti-cleaning,” which is when you spend all your time cleaning and clearing in anticipation of getting work. Set a timer to remind yourself to start working.

You can also spend five minutes at the end of your work session to complete another tidy-up so you are ready to hit the ground running for the next day.

This is a French culinary phrase for “put in place.” When used in the context of creativity, this means gathering everything you need for a project or activity before you get started. Nothing can disrupt creative flow like hunting around for supplies mid-project.

Don’t spend time organizing things that you should be getting rid of. Maybe it’s an abandoned project that’s taking up space. We all have aspirational clutter. These can be hobbies we wish we still pursued or ones we never really got into. Be honest with yourself. Did you really enjoy it, or did you start it up because you watched a YouTube video and thought it looked fun? Or did it feel like something you should do? Stop letting it take up your space and, more importantly, your energy. Let it go.
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Once you let go of the things you don’t use or need anymore, you open up space for the things you do enjoy and value.

Maybe you have space, but it’s not being used effectively. It could be a “guest” room that no one has used since 2015, or worse, it’s become a dumping ground for your aspirational clutter and stuff that no longer fits into your life.

An organizational overhaul is a project that may require some planning. There are two strategies you can use to tackle the project:

Comfortable surroundings can help you feel more at ease, allowing your mind to wander and explore new ideas without the distractions of discomfort or physical tension.

Comfort is individual. Take time to determine what you find comfortable, and then take steps to work toward it. With that said, here are some general categories to consider when defining your comfort: that fit most definitions of comfort.

If it’s within your budget, change out your furniture. Squeaky chair? If it can’t be repaired, get a new one. And pay attention to how you like to work. Prefer a couch over a desk? Get a comfy couch.

Working in a slouched position can make you tired, sluggish, and unfocused and can also cause long-term physical pain. Change the height of your computer monitor or other work tools.

Get a fan or space heater to keep your body at a comfortable temperature. There is much to be said about challenging your body with extreme temperatures, but doing that during a creative activity is probably not the best time. Save your energy for your work by not spending it on trying to stay warm.

This is personal. Do you like blank walls? Bright colors? Maybe you want some greenery. Add a plant or even fake flowers. Pay attention to how you feel once you make these changes.

These are the things that make us feel like us. It could be your favorite drink, lighting a candle, or the perfect soundtrack to accompany our work. Get it all set up just the way you like it before you start your project.

Assess your current situation. Take stock of what you can and can’t change. Do you work in an office without windows? It’s unlikely that you can get the building manager to cut a hole in the wall so you can get sunlight, but you may be able to move your office to a different location.

No access to sunlight? No problem. There are lighting options that mimic natural sunlight. Look for lighting with these features:

You might not find one with all these qualities, but check out Optimize Your Biology for a breakdown of several good options.

Fancy lighting aside, you can turn off the harsh overhead fluorescents and use lamps to light your workspace.

Add color to your workspace by painting one or more walls with creative hues like blue and green.

Even if changing the lighting and colors in your office is outside of your control, you can do something about it by donning a pair of blue-light-blocking glasses. Wearing blue-light-blocking glasses has been shown to reduce eye strain and improve sleep. Both can boost creativity. There are glasses for daytime wear and nighttime activities.

When all else fails, go outside more. Spend a few minutes getting some sunlight on your face for a quick creative boost.

Having the flexibility to customize your environment to suit your needs can foster creativity. Whether rearranging furniture, adding personal touches, or creating designated creative spaces, having control over your environment can encourage experimentation and innovation.

Frequently change up how you work. It keeps the blood flowing and keeps your mind active. If a stand-up desk is in your budget, look for one that has height versatility. Spend part of the day sitting and part of the day standing. Consider sitting on the floor. There are floor desks available to purchase. Or better yet, you probably have something you currently own that would serve the purpose.

You can even indulge in extra comfort by lounging on the couch or working in bed. Despite what sleep experts preach about keeping work outside the bedroom, plenty of creatives do their best work between the sheets.

Has your furniture been in the same place since you moved in? It’s time for a change. Moving your furniture around in your workspace, bedroom, or the rest of your home can give you a new perspective and may inspire new ideas.

Even in a small space, you can designate an area where you do your creative work. Over time, your mind and body will associate this space with creativity.

As I put the finishing touches on this post, I’ve worked in no less than three places in my home, switched between sitting and standing, and have taken breaks to go outside. And my home office is constantly evolving to make the space more conducive to creativity. It will never be “finished.”

If you feel like your creative juices are running dry, don’t overlook the importance of your physical environment when it comes to stimulating your creativity. Sure, creativity comes from within, but harnessing the power of where you’re at physically can fuel that spark. So before tossing in the towel on that creative project, why not give your space a makeover to amp up the creative vibes?

Let us know what you tried and how it worked for you!
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