Unleash your creativity.

Maybe, but this does not mean creativity cannot be learned. Quite the opposite – you don't need to have a natural gift for it. Gourmet chefs, for example, are not born with their skills; similarly, people are not usually overflowing with creative ideas at the drop of a hat. As we know, practice makes perfect: many stroke of genius is only rarely attributable to a sudden and unexpected brainwave, instead it is frequently the result of plenty of effort and a lot of groundwork. This may all sound rather demanding, but at the same time it does mean that creativity is not simply the preserve of those with an artistic bent. Many still associate the concept of creativity with the ability to produce a work of art, write a bestseller or come up with a lyric that proves popular, but artistic talent in this form is just one facet of creativity. In essence, what is required is the capacity to take issue with customary ways of thinking and, as a result, create new and original ideas.

Perhaps the easiest way to become creative is just to start being creative. You won't find inspiration by being passive, so stop waiting, start doing! It might help if you set yourself fixed time slots in which to undertake creative projects. If you want to start the day with a creative boost, then a practice known as "Morning Pages” can prove particularly useful. Just allow your stream of consciousness free rein and write down on three sides of paper everything that comes into your mind – there are no rules and no need to be inventive. By putting it all down on paper you engage more thoroughly with your thoughts so that new concepts may emerge from this. Another way to stimulate your flow of ideas is to put together a list of 100 items. For this, you simply need a blank sheet of paper, something to write with, sufficient time, an open-minded attitude and, of course, a specific question, such as: "How can I be more creative?”. Now, it might at first to think of 100 items and many of those you write down will simply be pointless, but that does not matter. The aim is to get yourself in a creative frame of mind and, if you are lucky, you'll stumble upon that one, brilliant idea.

Create space for creativity – that's not just meant in the metaphorical sense but also quite literally. So why not set up a creative space in your home? This could be a particular room or simply a creativity corner if you're short of space. You could add vision boards and mementos, and give it a coat of paint in a color you find upbeat – the design is entirely up to you. What is crucial is that you construct an environment for yourself that you find congenial and inspirational. In any case, your brain should then to be preconditioned being creative whenever you spend time there.

You need to establish a creative space not just in your home but also within your own head. Changing the world around you overnight may not always be feasible, but there's every reason to remain receptive to all the possibilities. You'll find that new ideas come to you best when you do not feel pressurised and there is nothing to distract you. While it might require a great deal of effort and practice to be creative, it is therefore just as important to take breaks. Your creativity will flourish when you are not concentrating on a particularly complex task. It is not down to coincidence that good ideas come to us at times we wouldn’t expect them or when we find ourselves in particular surroundings, such as when we are taking a shower or going for a walk outdoors.

Once an idea comes to you, you have to allow it to mature. To progress, it is advisable to ditch any aspiration to perfection. An idea doesn't need to be perfect, it just needs to feel right. If you begin to have doubts, then act contrary to the general rule and leave whatever it is on one side for a bit rather than forging ahead and completing it. Looking at it from a different point of view or getting someone else's opinion can often make all the difference. In any case, it is well worth sticking at it because if you never try, you'll never know.

Creativity thrives on change, not on the habitual. Routines do help us find our way through a complex world but innovation and opportunities are all too often located outside what we consider our comfort zone. In concrete terms, this can mean that if you get bogged down with a task, the way forward can usually be to take a different approach.

Did you know researchers have actually determined that we can be more creative when we are tired? Why is this? Creative activities, in contrast with analytical endeavours, do not necessarily require our full attention - in fact, they benefit from a relaxed mindset. Hence, if you are a night owl you need to rise and shine, while if you are a morning person you should start brainstorming at a late hour.

Although taking a breather and enjoying a cup of tea may not be the magic solution to the problem of how to be creative, it provides mental refreshment or energises you during creative phases. Our five recommendations for creative minds or anyone who wants to become one:

• STRONG ASSAM: The strongest tea in the entire Avoury range is suitable as a morning pick-me-up or provides the necessary caffeine kick when ideas are stalling.
• MINT GUNPOWDER: The combination of strong green tea and the fresh sweetness of spearmint not only ignites the flavour, but also stimulates the generation of ideas.
• LIGHT PASSION: The mild, white tea is not only suitable for a relaxing break from thinking, it also surprises with a tropical note of passion fruit.
• FRESH ELDERFLOWER: The fruity, light flavour of elderflower and lemon puts you in a good mood - which is also known to boost creativity.
• MORINGA MANGO: Fresh, fruity and rich in nutrients - the exotic herbal infusion is the perfect wellness drink after an intensive brainstorming session.