Recently, I read an article about how creativity in America has been lost as a result of not only our reliance on technology, but also the education system’s tendency to value quantifiable information over innovative ability. Although this is not news to me, it does make me think about how I have fallen down the rabbit hole of names and dates, leaving my creative abilities behind in my childhood. In an effort to stimulate more visionary thinking, here are some ideas to bring a little more creativity into your life, because who can ever have enough?

1. Learn Something New

In my experience, learning something new is the best way to feel like a little kid again. Everything is foreign and exciting, and your head spins with questions. I recently started teaching myself to play the piano and it has been a great way for me to spark creativity through music. Learning to play an instrument, learning a new language, or finally taking that cooking class can be just what you need to bring a little spice back into your life.

2. Compare Ideas

A great way to make yourself think differently is to be open to other perspectives. Talking to people and seeing what they think about the solar system, how to train a dog, or choosing a movie for a first date can lead to the best (and strangest) conversations. If you are somewhat of an introvert like me, you can still see what other people think by reading. Reading a book is like reading someone’s mind, and it can spark endless creative ideas. Read magazines, books, and blogs to learn about things you didn’t even know you wanted to learn about.

3. Take Advantage of Technology

Technology does not have to be the monster that kills culture and creativity. Its powers can be used for good, especially with the globalized world that we all belong to. Listen to podcasts, watch videos like TED talks, listen to music, watch movies, and give in (just a little) to your Pinterest addiction. Creativity can come from the most random places, which just makes life more interesting.

4. Be Curious and Experiment

Something that I need to work on more is asking questions about the world. Being curious is a necessary ingredient for creativity. My favorite science teacher used to say that, in science, every answer leads to more questions. I would argue that this is true of anything, from art and music to sports and writing. Questions lead to testing hypotheses, and this is where experimenting comes into play. Test out your ideas and pretty soon, it will become a normal part of your life to conduct social experiments in Barnes and Noble and to design the smartest coffee maker in the world (still in progress).

5. Break Your Routine

The one thing that will hold you back the most from embracing your creativity is your comfort zone. Make a goal for yourself to go somewhere new or do something you’ve never done before once a week, and be adventurous. As a college student, it’s easier said than done to hop on a plane and fly to a foreign country. That being said, visiting a friend who lives in a neighboring state or driving across your state for no reason other than to take a picture of the sunset is both feasible and liberating. Even adventures that go wrong can make for the best stories.

Creativity is the reward for taking risks, so get out there and explore. Remember to write it all down so that people like me can read about it later. :)