All work and no play... 3 ways to energize creativity

For a century, there's been a saying that "all work and no play makes John a dull boy".  Well lately, science has proved it's true.  To be creative, the brain needs to signal enjoyment and fun--to get technical, creativity uses the dopaminergic reward system that creates enjoyment.

The great news is that you can stimulate the play function of your brain consciously, instead of waiting for the mood to strike you.  Here are three ways to generate a sensation of play:

1. Develop a positive attitude to taking risks.  That doesn't mean being foolish or destructive to yourself or others, just embracing the thrill you experience when you're on a ride at a theme park, for example, or when the plane is just taking off for a vacation to somewhere you've never been before.  It's the enjoyable risk of trying new things.  The more you tap into that feeling, the more creative you will be in taking on challenges.
2. Learn something new. It doesn't matter what, as long as you enjoy it.  Mastering new material or skills uses the creative part of your brain, which is very rewarding and enjoyable.  Can you remember the first bike ride with no training wheels?  What a rush!  That's what you're going for.
3. Use the entertainment you enjoy to spark ideas.  If you really enjoyed a movie or concert, use it as a platform for your imagination.  This is what children do when they "play house" or imagine that they are astronauts and super-heroes.  Who knows what inspiration you will discover when you let your enjoyment stimulate new ideas?

It shouldn't be  hard to motivate yourself to play, should it?  Have fun!