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Q: I have to be creative in my job, but some days I'm just too worn out or uninspired. That stresses me and only makes things worse. Do you have any "hacks" for generating good ideas under pressure?

Jim: I think we've all had moments in life where we need help to get the creative juices flowing. Each of us is different; what works for one person might not for another. But there are a couple of suggestions that can be very helpful for most of us.

Experts say the first step is to recognize that sometimes ideas are "captured." In other words, our minds are constantly processing thoughts. So, it's often simply a matter of paying attention to what you're thinking and recognizing an idea when it comes along. Other times we may hear or see something, or have an encounter with someone, and that triggers the elusive spark of creative energy we need.

The second step is to literally crank the engine and get your motor running. According to research out of Johns Hopkins, the best way is exercise. Physical activity increases oxygen delivery to the brain and jump-starts the creation of new brain cells.

So, if you're looking for some mental inspiration, lace up those shoes and head out for a walk, a bike ride or a run. Speed isn't important -- what matters is motion. Regardless of how old or young you are, activity is key. Get the blood circulating and shake those cobwebs free.

The key to all of this is to mentally pull out the wide-angle lens and look around. Take your focus off the detailed problem for a few minutes -- but not too long. In other words, resist distractions, especially your phone. You may well find that when you zoom in again, the ideas you need will come bubbling to the surface.

Q: I heard some other moms talking about asking their kids for feedback on their parenting. Is that appropriate?

Dr. Danny Huerta, Vice President, Parenting & Youth: We all have strengths and weaknesses as moms and dads. One of the best ways to identify points of improvement is to ask our children.

As a therapist, I've found that some parents feel threatened at the idea of receiving input from anyone, let alone their kids. They feel that feedback from children brings their authority and/or competency into question. But if it's done in a healthy way, a family check-in is well worth it.

Check-ins simply involve asking your kids how things are going, and whether there is anything getting in the way of your relationship with them.

If you ask your kids, "How am I doing as a dad/mom?" chances are you'll hear the typical answer -- "fine." Having a list of specific check-in questions to guide conversation is very helpful.

A great one to begin with is: "What's it like to be with me?" Additional questions I've taught families over the years in my private practice include:

-- "What has been going well (or not) for you this past week/month? How about for us as a family?"

-- "What do you need from me to make things better in our home this week/month?"

-- "Have I been listening and understanding you well?"

Another option is to use the following list of habits of healthy, thriving families to help you develop your own check-in questions. These behaviors include:

-- Spending time together

-- Sharing laughter and playfulness

-- Eating meals together

-- Taking part in prayer and self-reflection

-- Engaging in conversation

Be creative in developing your own set of questions. And don't be afraid of constructive feedback.

For more helpful tips and tools, see FocusOnTheFamily.com/Parenting.

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Jim Daly is a husband and father, an author, and president of Focus on the Family and host of the Focus on the Family radio program. Catch up with him at jimdalyblog.focusonthefamily.com or at Facebook.com/JimDalyFocus.

Copyright 2025 Focus On The Family. (This feature may not by reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise without written permission of Focus on the Family.)

COPYRIGHT 2025 Andrews McMeel Syndication. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise without the written permission of Andrews McMeel Syndication.