Creativity-Enhancing Activities for Teens

Your childhood is now in the rearview mirror, and along with it, your creativity. Or so it seems. Sometimes, teens struggle with the loss of innocence that tends to happen as they navigate their adolescent years. 

If you’re struggling with a loss of creativity and experiencing mental blocks when it comes to your extracurricular or academic pursuits, these activities can help you tap into your creative side. As a bonus, all the activities suggested are affordable, making them attainable on even the smallest budget. 

Quilting and Sewing

Now that the teen years are upon you and the possibility of college is looming, it’s the perfect time to start expressing yourself and filling your life with things that express your personality. Quilting and sewing is the perfect DIY hobby to harness your creativity and make pieces that scream you. It might seem a little daunting, but there are plenty of quilting and sewing tutorials to get you started. To get ideas, Quilt Social recommends browsing Pinterest for inspiration. You can also view fabrics until you find one that sparks your interest.

Journaling, Blogging, and Art

Journaling today doesn’t require that you keep a diary complete with a padlock. Instead, try your hand at blogging. There are tons of blogging platforms from WordPress to Tumblr and everything in between. If you don’t want to share your innermost thoughts with the world, you can keep a private journal in OneNote or Evernote. 

The simple act of putting thoughts on paper – or, in this case, a screen – can be a cathartic experience that opens up your mind. Students have a lot on their plate and sometimes get overwhelmed with tests and exams. Exploring artistic endeavors can also be a great way to de-stress and boost your creativity. There are several easy art projects you can do at home to relieve stress and get your creative juices flowing. 

Read Blogs, Books, Magazines, and More

Finding bloggers or writers you enjoy reading can be quite inspirational. Many great ideas stem from a light-bulb moment that pops out of nowhere when you least expect it. 

There are millions of blogs on just about every topic you can imagine, and there are books published in digital and print every year. So, there’s something for everyone. If your typical reading material doesn’t inspire you, try reading something totally different from your usual preferences. Both fiction and nonfiction writing can be a source of creativity when you find authors that resonate with you. According to Buffer, reading can also help your memory and vocabulary. 

Play Card Games

Cards are for old people. Or are they? Be bold and step outside your comfort zone. Pick up a deck of cards and try your hand (pun intended) at games like poker, Bridge, or even solitaire. You can even download a free app on your smartphone for on-the-go play. 

There are dozens of card games that can help you pass the time, socialize with members of other generations (how long has it been since you’ve had a good chat with a grandparent?), and put your critical thinking skills to use. Between providing opportunities to chat with people who have had different life experiences to giving your brain a workout, card games offer many mental benefits.

Explore the World Around You

There are probably many places in your hometown that you’ve never really appreciated for what they are. Do you pass a bench by the river nearly every day, but never give it a second thought? Think of outdoor spaces that you’ve never paid attention to before. Visit one of them and just sit quietly, taking in the scenery, and watching the people or wildlife. 

If you live near a river, lake, or ocean, spend some time by the water. Pay attention to your senses: what smells, sights, and other sensations do you notice? Focusing your mind on your five senses and eliminating all other thoughts for a few precious minutes is a powerful way to unleash your creativity and release stress. 

Make it Work for You

Whatever type of creative endeavor speaks to you, it’s important to make it work for you and your needs. If you prefer spending time in your room sewing, journaling, blogging or creating art, take the time to declutter and clean up your room so that it’s more conducive to the positive energy you need to get creative. If you prefer making YouTube tutorials or influencer videos, set yourself up with a decent webcam, a moveable speaker and the right kind of lighting. The point is, if you find something that you love to do, find ways to enjoy your activity to the fullest. 

If it seems like you’re losing your creativity, there are several creativity-boosting activities to enjoy. Picking up a new hobby or passion doesn’t have to be expensive, and the opportunities that await make a small investment worthwhile.

Image via Pexels

About the Author

This is Penny Martin’s second blog post on Pop’s Blog. She’s a huge advocate for rescue dogs. Her goal is to inform people of what to expect and how to react to their dog so that the relationship always retains love. She created fureverfriend.info to help new owners prepare themselves for new furry friends.