Times of ambiguity are a given, Natalie Nixon says in Inc. Add a crisis on top of that and it’s easy to find yourself in a creative slump. 

It’s important to show creative competency during these uncertain times. In fact, times of volatility lend themselves to creativity. 

Nixon offers four ways to use creativity to navigate the uncertainty we all find ourselves in. 

Use changes in your schedule to read more 

One of the biggest benefits of working from home is not having a commute. Use that newfound time, even if it’s just 15 minutes, to pick up a book. 

“Fiction requires us to experience a reality from a perspective different from our own. Thus, it helps us to exercise empathy,” Nixon explains. 

Nonfiction books are beneficial too, especially if there are thought leadership books you’ve been meaning to tackle on that to-read list. 

Spark wonder through reflection and play 

“Wonder is awe, pausing, dreaming, and asking big, audacious ‘What if...?’ questions. We don’t schedule in enough time for wonder in our typical workday, when we’re rushing from one meeting to the next. When faced with uncertainty, give yourself real time to think it through,” Nixon recommends.  

Give yourself five-minute breaks away from your computer to step away from work throughout the day and it will help give your brain the space to focus on what needs to be done. 

Dig into rigor 

You’ve given yourself time for play, now give yourself time for rigor.  

“Rigor is deep skill, time on a task, and honing discipline,” Nixon says. “It is often solitary and can feel monotonous, but it is essential.” 

Creativity can come from that rigor as the more you hone a skill, the more opportunity you give yourself to problem solve in new ways. 

Look forward with gratitude and generosity 

There is no “business as usual” in times of crisis, but you can use that to your advantage.   

“We get to be more reflective… and identify what really matters to us,” Nixon says. “There is a silver lining in all ambiguous and uncertain situations if you shift your thinking and look at it as an opportunity to increase your creativity quotient.”