A boring life tends to get a bad reputation. It typically creates visuals of getting through a dreary daily routine, rarely trying new things, killing time until the next fun event or activity, or anything else that could be described as unexciting.

Personally speaking, being somewhat of an introvert by nature, I’ve never had much of an issue with a lifestyle that could probably be labelled as “mundane.” I don’t mind spending more than a few nights a week at home, I enjoy my daily routines, and I’ve even been known to be able to eat the same meals every day for months at a time without even the slightest hesitation.

Thanks to the added extra time at home due to the pandemic, life became more repetitive and predictable. We couldn’t leave home, so many of our daily stimulants and sources of excitement were deemed unavailable by the powers that be. For over two years, I spent a lot of time reading, reviving childhood hobbies, puttering around the house and backyard (as we all did), and trying to find ways to feel alive (in every sense of the word).

With all that quiet and slow-paced living came a decent amount of mental peace and clarity (once I intentionally tuned out the dismal news, that is). Personal problems ranging from small to large were solved within weeks simply because I could slow down and allow my mind to wander.

In his book “Creativity,” Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi discusses the concept of “mental meandering.” Mental meandering is an essential process during which problems that have been incubating in your mind finally have the space to intuit their solutions. You won’t feel any conscious mental steps occurring, but your subconscious mind works under the surface of your awareness to help you develop innovative solutions.

That said, below is a list of everyday spaces, places, activities, and routines that helped me come up with innovative ways improve my career, strengthen my relationships, and create and launch this blog.

MUNDANE PLACES THAT BOOST CREATIVITY

Your bed.

Those last few minutes before slumber and the first few moments after you wake up can be breakthrough time for coming up with new ideas and creative solutions to problems. If you are the type who meditates before bed and in the morning, that can also enhance the process. (I’ve discussed how meditation changed my life HERE).

Your car.

Once you’ve earned your driver’s license, driving gradually turns into an automated process that doesn’t require your focused and deliberate attention. If you are entirely familiar with your daily driving routes, this adds to the ease and automation of the process. Once again, part of your mind can run free to deal with whatever might be going on in your head at the time.

Walks outside. 

Many knew Steve Jobs to be a notorious walker who not only walked by himself to come up with ideas for his products and companies, but he also conducted many of his business meetings that way. According to THIS article written by Wharton Executive Education, the benefits of walking meetings, walking breaks, and even short walks around the office or on a treadmill include sharpening the mind, dispelling doubt and procrastination, releasing beneficial endorphins, and encouraging inspiration and creativity. Getting in touch with nature and fresh air also serves as a mood booster.

Doing chores or running errands.

Vacuuming, doing dishes, sorting laundry, and grocery shopping are examples of situations in which I’ve had significant breakthroughs and “Aha!” moments. These chores’ mundane and repetitive nature allows creativity to surface easily.

The gym.

Getting into a flow state while working out can make you more creative. Similar to walking, lifting weights, doing yoga, or jogging on a treadmill can influence your thinking. According to this article by the New York Times, many studies in people and animals show that our brains change in response to physical activity, partly because during exercise, we marinate our brains with extra blood, oxygen and nutrients. 

Anywhere you have the privacy to stare off into space.

Whether you’re alone in a doctor’s waiting room, in an elevator, waiting in line, or simply staring at the ceiling – staring off into space doesn’t get enough credit. It can be valuable time to develop interesting thoughts and ideas.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope that what you have read has somehow educated, informed, or inspired you. You can sign up for the mailing list below to receive special announcements directly to your inbox no more than once a month (We won’t spam you!).

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