12. Embrace Boredom and Stillness

Allowing yourself moments of boredom or stillness—without screens or distractions—can unlock surprising bursts of creativity. When your mind wanders, it often makes unique connections and generates fresh ideas. For instance, writer J.K. Rowling conceived the concept for Harry Potter while daydreaming on a train.
Embracing quiet moments can help you tap into this same wellspring of inspiration. Cognitive research, such as that summarized in Scientific American, reveals a strong link between periods of boredom and increased creative thinking.