Think of those times that your creativity flows with ease in bountiful constancy…you probably feel more alive, fulfilled, happy…right? There are so many ways to support your flow, inspiration and creative output, but often we don’t think of them.

Or we imagine we’re too busy.

One of the things I love about my work as a book coach is the ability to share what I know with clients and then watch them soar:

* A client who was stuck experiences breakthroughs. (This happens all the time!)

* A busy therapist who couldn’t find time realizes what she can clear out of her life and finds herself with more writing time, more income and less stress!

* A tentative writer finds his Muse and takes off!

* An entrepreneur whose book keeps changing in fits and starts gets clarity about the creative questions she struggled with and the writing flows with ease.

* An infrequent writer finally gets into creative flow several days a week for months — and completes a book proposal and signs a book deal!

So, what are some of their secrets to consistent creativity?

5 Ways to Improve Your Creative Inspiration and Output

1. Walk: Did you know that a study from Stanford University showed that walking boosts creative output by 60%?!!! In my experience, walking doesn’t just increase the amount of writing, but can also improve the quality of your work. And, of course, from a health perspective, walking will counter the negative effects of all that sitting we do while typing. So, next time you schedule writing time, consider scheduling a walk just before!

2. Hummmmmmmmmmmm: That’s right, humming calms the vagus nerve, which relaxes you. And anything that relaxes enhances creativity! If you don’t have time for a walk, you certainly can take a minute to hum!

3. Write First Thing: It’s easy to say, “I’ll write tomorrow,” but without scheduling the specific times, it’s even easier to get to the end of the day without having written! Writing first thing ensures you actually make it happen by prioritizing it. But writing first thing does so much more! When you write as soon as you wake, you tap into that liminal space that gives you access to the unconscious — the world where metaphor, mysticism and creativity flourish. Take advantage of that magic and use it for your writing time. You’ll likely find your work is fresher, innovative, maybe even groundbreaking!

4. Create a Ritual: The Muse loves ritual (and a sense of playfulness that can come with it)! Light a candle, make your favorite cup of tea or coffee, get out that special notebook with the colorful cover and wide lines, or whatever feels fun and playful. In essence, you’re telling your subconscious mind, “This is special time. It’s the time we write.”  The more you practice your writing ritual, the more it will become a groove.

5. Try Qigong!: Simple qigong practices have helped me become a more fluid writer. I find some of my best inspiration comes during or after a qigong practice. It doesn’t have to take long, either. A five- or ten-minute practice can yield inspired and fulfilling results! In 2009, researchers developed a new category of exercise known as “Meditative Movement,” which includes Qigong and tai chi. These practices create a relaxed state — that vagus nerve again! — contributing to creative flow.

Here’s one of my foundational qigong practices to start your next writing session:

Ready for more practices to stimulate flow, enjoy writing more than ever, and be amazed at what you write? Check out my Gold Nautilus Award-winning book, Breathe. Write. Breathe.! You can use each chapter as a retreat in book form — enjoying a quirky story tied to writing wisdom, a creativity-enhancing practice, and choosing from related, playful writing prompts that relate to the practice. So much fun and the inspired writing to show for it! Buy your copy on Amazon or Bookshop.org.

How do you stimulate your creativity? Share in the comments!