Take the Next Step! Creativity & Play

Ways to Engage in Creativity & Play 

 

In Personal Life: 

1. Adult coloring books: Coloring is a great way to engage in creativity & play as well as mindfulness- being in the present moment. Adult coloring books have been on the rise in recent years. You can check out sites with free coloring book pages here Links to an external site.. 

2. Try a new skill: Always wanted to try a new skill or hobby? Maybe you have wanted to try macrameing or photography? Set aside time to engage in these practices. You can also check out UT's Informal Classes Links to an external site. to see if they have any topics you are interested in. 

3. Take a walk & unplug: Being outside in nature and in the present moment can be a great way to get your creative juices flowing. When's the last time you took a walk outside and just simply appreciated your surroundings?

4. Take a different route to work/school: Studies show that doing something you don't normally do can increase creativity and innovation. Something as simple as taking a new route can help you to be more flexible and more creative in your everyday life. 

5. Work from a new location: Exploring new places and changing up your environment can be a way to engage in creativity and play. Check out a new coffee shop, talk to the baristas, and take in your surroundings. 

 

In a Classroom/Meeting:

1. Icebreakers: Icebreakers are a way for students to express themselves creatively as well as to improve social connections in the classroom or meeting.  For a list of icebreakers please visit our link here. Links to an external site. 

2. Role Playing: This is a technique that allows participants to explore realistic situations by interacting with other people in a managed way in order to develop experience and trial different strategies in a supported environment. Role-playing can be a great way to get students to learn specific topics or for colleagues to practice an interaction/activity with one another. 

3. Keep Assignments/Presentations Open Ended: Often times when students or colleagues think of delivering presentations they think of PowerPoints. Leave room for innovation and creativity during presentations, encourage folks to have interactive pieces to their presentations. 

4. Integrate Art, Music, & Podcasts: Are there different mediums besides journal articles and websites to communicate your lesson plan/business matters? Art can be a powerful way to connect with others and can help to engage more visual/auditory learners.