A new spring heralds not just the return of sunshine and green, growing things, but also a fresh start. The season of renewal, spring remains a chance early in the year to wipe the slate clean and bring in a fresh focus.

Here are 7 ways to refresh your creativity this spring:

1. Physical Fitness. An exercised body is a more creative one. Intense aerobic exercise is well known for helping creative thinking and boosting cognitive gymnastics; the resulting physical and emotional release helps maintain focus for hours afterwards.

2. Spring cleaning. Can’t think straight? Declutter your mind by decluttering your space, both at work and at home.

3. Get Outside. Working outside in nature reduces stress so grab your laptop and head to to the backyard or a patio. If not, enjoy some green space by eating your lunch outdoors. Or host walking meetings in the park or on a path through the woods.

4. Something New. Nothing refreshes brain cells like learning. Take a class or start a hobby—anything to get your brain working on problems you don’t encounter very often. It’s a great way to explore new ideas and find new inspiration.

5. Volunteer. A strong society starts locally, so find organizations close to home or work. Whether you focus on environmental issues, homelessness, immigration or women’s rights, the bonus comes not just from doing good for others but also from becoming more innovative.

6. Be Mindful. Meditation has many studied benefits, like an improvement in focus and patience, insight and perspective, all of which may add up to a boost of your creative powers over time.

7. Reflect on goals. The secret to getting things done is to pick real, attainable, measurable goals in the first place and aim to knock them out in smaller blocks of time.

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