Creativity is an elusive capacity. It only takes a little extra stress or fatigue to lose it completely, running into the classic creative block. So how can one get out of it? The strategies are countless and every day psychology finds new ones thanks to a constant study of the human mind. In this article we have collected five tricks that are easy to implement both in the office and while working remotely.

1.   Change locations

Sometimes it only takes little to clear your head and find a new creative spark. For example, changing air can be helpful: step away from your desk for a moment and work in another part of the company. This can be a conference room, a lounge area or the break room. However, according to the book Iconoclast: A Neuroscientist Reveals How to Think Differently, the real difference happens when you are in unfamiliar or different environments than usual. Keep this peculiarity in mind when choosing the location for your next team building session!

2.   Daydreaming

The office is certainly not the best place to let your imagination run wild, but when you need a little extra creativity for a project, it's just what you need. According to a study by Washington University of St. Louis, fantasizing can help find the solution to certain problems. Be warned, however, that this technique is not for everyone: those who are already distracted by nature may have difficulty regaining focus.

3.   Work while standing up (at least a few hours)

Often, even with the best ergonomic seating solution available, we find ourselves in front of the computer in less-than-correct postures. Spending too much time hunched over the desk can reduce breathing capacity, elevating cortisol levels and significantly reducing cognitive function. Standing up and giving attention to posture can "reactivate the mind" in a matter of minutes: an excellent reason to choose a sit-stand desk.

4.   Move away from screens

Using multiple devices at the same time (e.g., computers and smartphones) encourages multi-tasking but requires close attention. When the mind switches quickly from one activity to another, performance increases, but there is no recovery time, which is necessary in the creative process.

5.   Socialize with a friend

Have a coffee with a colleague, use your lunch break (when possible) to meet with a friend, or take advantage of the afternoon break to call a loved one: conversations that have nothing to do with the activity you are doing can trigger the creative mechanism in a logic of lateral thinking. Of course, there is no golden rule to kick creativity into high gear; everyone has their own individual times and peculiarities. The important thing is to always try something new and understand what works best for each of us.