Summer is officially in full swing. For many, that means more time outdoors, soaking up the warm weather. While summer activities can be a lot of fun and a great way to relax, you can also capture inspiration from the things you might already be doing. Or, you could try something new this season to spark your creativity.

Science has shown that trying new things makes you more creative. So, what can you do outdoors this summer to spark that creativity and find inspiration?

Whether you’re traveling, camping, or just exploring your local parks (or even your own backyard), there are plenty of ways to get your inspirational wheels turning. Let’s cover a few ideas you can try this summer to help remove any creative roadblocks you might be currently dealing with.

Record Your Experiences

When you’re doing something fun outdoors, it’s easy to get involved and distracted. Commit to hitting the “pause” button sometimes and recording your experience. Take photographs, write in a journal, or shoot a quick video of whatever you’re doing. Maybe you’re looking out at a beachside sunset, or hiking through the woods.

By stopping and recording exactly what you’re experiencing, you can look back on it later and feel the same peace and inspiration you’re feeling in that moment. It’s a way to use mindfulness to capture inspiration. It’s so easy to get caught up in the “fun” of summer, especially when you’re on vacation. There’s nothing wrong with that. But, being mindful for a few minutes each day will allow you to appreciate what you’re doing and where you are, rather than being distracted by it.

You can even find unique ways to capture your experiences if you’re on a summer vacation. Pick up a postcard, write down a local recipe, or draw a picture of your surroundings. Inspiration can come and go. But, recording things as they happen can be like a hot ember you can use to reignite your creativity at any time.

Combine Your Goals

Many people take advantage of the warm weather in summer by getting outside for health reasons. Some of the mental health benefits of spending time outdoors include:

  • Reduced stress
  • Improved mood
  • Boosted energy
  • Better cognitive function
  • Lower anxiety

So, you might already be spending time outside to relax and de-stress. You might also be taking your workouts outdoors to maintain your physical health, too. Exercising outside can be motivational and inspiring on its own, so why not combine your health and wellness goals with your creative goals?

Whether you’re playing a sport, going for a run on the beach, or even breaking a sweat in your garden, try to seek inspiration in the way you feel and what you can accomplish. Simply put, you can be your own inspiration! When you’re able to reach certain goals, do certain things with your body, or try something physical you never thought you’d be able to do, it can cause a huge adrenaline rush. It’s nearly impossible not to be inspired by that.

Make sure to take care of yourself no matter what you’re doing outdoors. Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, have a first aid kit on hand if you’re doing something that could cause injury, and focus on combining your aspirations with your inspiration. When you feel healthy and you’re doing what you can to take care of yourself, you’re more likely to stay motivated and continue looking for inspiration everywhere.

Staying Curious

Curiosity may “kill the cat,” but it spurs inspiration! This summer, try to nurture your curious attitude by trying new things. Be humble enough to learn from others but confident enough to know you can grow.

If you’re not sure how to dive into something new this season, try some of the following techniques:

  • Let go of beliefs that might limit you
  • Make immediate plans and follow-through
  • Go with your gut
  • Start small
  • Create a list of new things you want to try

Staying curious isn’t about forcing yourself to do things that you don’t really want to do. It’s about listening to the ideas that interest you and following them instead of ignoring them. When it comes to summer activities, that might be something as exciting as going white water rafting or something as relaxing as creating a backyard sanctuary for yourself. It should be something that causes you to think and put forth an effort.

Summer is the perfect time to capture inspiration and harness it to last all year. Spending time in nature is one of the best ways to feel more in-tune with yourself. It’s a natural mental health booster and can spark a more natural, beautiful curiosity about the world around you. Keep these ideas in mind as you enjoy your summer fun this year, and use the inspiration you gather to better your personal and professional lives.

Did you know that scientific evidence shows your creativity decreases over time

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Beau Peters

Beau Peters is a creative professional with a lifetime of experience in service and care. As a manager, he's learned a slew of tricks of the trade that he enjoys sharing with others who have the same passion and dedication that he brings to his work. When he is not writing, he enjoys reading and trying new things.