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We all get stuck in a rut, which gets frustrating when you're looking for inspiration. Instead of sitting and stewing, get your creative juices flowing with free activities that will motivate and inspire. Here are 90 basically free activities, from heading to a local art gallery to walking through open houses, that are guaranteed to motivate.
RELATED: 5 Reasons Why You're Not Motivated
- Head to your local library and check out a book on a subject you're not familiar with.
- Go on a nature walk and collect five things that are beautiful.
- Get out your old photographs and take a look at your past, remembering special moments that were important to you.
- Pick up a pencil or pen and sketch without worrying if you're a good artist. The process is more important than the product.
- Grab a cookbook and attempt a recipe you've never made before. Invite friends over for an impromptu dinner party and share the dish.
- Learn how to arrange flowers into a beautiful display.
- Keep a dream journal and pick up a dream analysis book from the library to learn more about your sleeping brain.
- Tap into your inner child and head to the closest park and swing on the swings. Along with being fun, pumping those legs will get you thinking in a different way.
- Upcycle something you're planning on tossing.
- Volunteer your time at a local animal shelter, elder community, or homeless shelter.
Read on for more motivating ideas.
- Find out when the closest art museum offers free admission and make a date to visit. Spend time walking through the displays and taking notes on your favorite works of art.
- Join Instagram and explore manipulating your pictures and sharing with friends.
- Do a crossword puzzle.
- Go to a poetry reading and then try writing your own verse.
- Fold the best paper airplane.
- Download a free iPhone app and check it out.
- Head to an empty bench at the park and eavesdrop. Yes, not socially acceptable, but donning dark glasses and pretending to read a book while listening in on others' conversations is a great way to spark your imagination.
- Watch a classic black-and-white movie on TV and note how things have changed over the years.
- Get free tickets to watch a live filming of your favorite TV show.
- Check for local garage sales or antique fairs in your area. And you don't have to buy anything — simply scope out the stuff and people watch.
- Borrow your friend's kids and head to the park. Playing with children is a fun way to spark your creativity.
- Read a fantasy novel — or a romance.
- Relax. Calming your mind will allow all your amazing ideas to flow.
- Take a shower and belt out your favorite tune.
- Read back on your journal and reflect on where you are today. Or start a journal and get writing.
- Learn how to make the perfect boiled egg to start your day out right.
- Start a blog and write posts about something you are passionate about.
- Join Pinterest and look at all the inspirational things others are doing and sharing.
- Go to a free concert.
- Attack that stack of old magazines and create an inspiration board.
- Check out DIY blogs online.
- Go to a craft fair and take pictures of all the neat things people are making.
- Pack for a trip even though you're not going anywhere. Imagine you're traveling to somewhere amazing and write an email detailing the trip. When finished, send the email to yourself.
- Transform just-about-wilted flowers into homemade potpourri.
- Listen to classical music.
- Head outdoors and take a photo tour of your neighborhood, snapping all your favorite spots.
- Write a letter to yourself in the future.
- Grab a blanket and find a quiet spot to cloud watch.
- Ask a friend questions you've never asked before. Or call your sister, brother, or parents, and catch up.
- Check for free improv nights in your area and make a date.
- Head to your local community collage and sign up for a free class.
- Start writing the next great novel.
- Call your besties and head out for a night of fun karaoke.
- Do repairs around the house. Yes, not super fun, but while you're making sure that picture's hung right, you'll get your mind thinking in other ways.
- Toss clutter and clean your home, revealing open spaces and empty corners.
- Meditate.
- Watch the sunset, or wake up early and enjoy the sunrise.
- Switch things up with a 10-minute workout.
- Sketch a beautiful dress.
- Go for a long walk at night and stargaze.
- Learn how to make origami shapes.
- Enliven your tea with fruits and fresh herbs. Drink it instead of coffee in the morning, or during the day, for a fresh new look on things.
- Go to a candy store and sample all the amazing flavors.
- Head to the beach, or your local swim spot, and enjoy the natural surroundings.
- Try a new look and do your hair differently or go a day without makeup.
- Learn how to play an instrument.
- Take some selfie snaps.
- Do something you used to love doing as a child, like building a fort with blankets and pillows.
- Eat ice cream for breakfast and sausage and eggs for dinner.
- Check out the best hikes in your area and pick one to try.
- Search for adorable pet videos on YouTube.
- If you're right-handed, use your left for the day.
- Take a nap.
- Sign up for free dance lessons.
- Go climb a tree and sit in the branches for a different perspective on things.
- Try nail art.
- Grab a notebook and pencil and design your dream house. Even if you aren't an architect, simply listing all the things that you'd love in your perfect home is a fun way to get your creative juices flowing.
- Put fruits that are slightly unripe to good use by making homemade jam.
- Check out Etsy and, if you're crafty, start your own shop.
- Learn how to knit.
- Create a thinking spot in your home to sit and ponder things.
- Check out Airbnb. Even if you're not traveling, looking at other people's spaces might spark your imagination.
- Talk to a stranger.
- Rearrange your furniture. Need inspiration? Call a friend to come over and tell you how she thinks things should be positioned.
- Take your dog for a long walk. Don't have a pet? Look at cute pictures of kitties.
- Use your phone to make a short video and then share it with family and friends.
- Go to an art opening. Along with showcasing new artists, art openings often offer free snacks and drinks.
- Head to your local home goods store, pick out a selection of paint samples, and use them to do a fun project.
- Dress up in your favorite outfit and go for a walk. Even though you're not a celebrity, act like you're one.
- Get out your favorite pictures and create a unique photo wall in your home.
- Go through your clothes and make a stack to donate.
- Deep-clean your bed for a better night's sleep. This way you'll feel refreshed and ready for anything tomorrow.
- Join a local sports league in town and make new friends while being active.
- Go to a book reading.
- Browse for free things on Craigslist.
- Learn how to make a new cocktail from bottles hiding in your liquor cabinet.
- Clean out your email, reading old correspondences before deleting.
- Invite friends over for a fun game night.
- Learn how to watercolor.
- Spend your Sunday looking at open houses in your community. Along with getting a chance to see the interiors of homes, take inspiration from how furniture is arranged or the view from the kitchen window.
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This is a guest contribution from our friends at POPSUGAR Smart Living. Check out more useful articles from this partner:
Love so many of these...especially the ones regarding nature! That's where I go to reconnect with myself. The world can get so crazy and overwhelming...taking time to just observe things as they were naturally created can be really calming and help us center ourselves.