Winter can feel like a tough season for creativity. The colder days, earlier sunsets, and slower work pace can leave teams feeling uninspired. But guess what? This season can actually be an opportunity to refresh, recharge, and spark new ideas with some simple, engaging team exercises.

By making small shifts in how you approach brainstorming and collaboration, you can turn the winter blues into a season of creativity gold. 

Create a cozy, inspiring atmosphere

Winter is the perfect time to make your workspace a little warmer—literally and figuratively. Whether you’re working in an office or from home, small changes can set the mood for creativity. Add a cozy vibe by bringing in hot drinks like cocoa or tea, lighting a candle, or even decorating your space with a touch of winter cheer.

If you’re on Zoom, try seasonal virtual backgrounds or play calming winter music in the background. These touches aren’t just for fun; they help everyone feel more comfortable and open. When people feel at ease, they’re more likely to come up with fresh ideas and collaborate effectively. A welcoming space isn’t just about looks—it’s about creating an environment that invites creativity.

Kick off with fun, open-ended prompts

Brainstorming doesn’t have to be serious right away. In fact, some of the best ideas come from playful, lighthearted starts. Begin your sessions with a fun, unexpected question like, “If money and time weren’t issues, how would we solve this problem?” or “What’s the silliest way to tackle this challenge?”

These prompts break the ice, get people laughing, and help everyone loosen up. Instead of feeling pressure to be brilliant, your team can focus on generating a wide range of ideas. Some of these may feel impractical at first, but the act of thinking differently can lead to truly creative breakthroughs.

Shift perspectives to overcome blocks

Sometimes, teams hit a wall when trying to come up with solutions. When that happens, it helps to shake things up:

• The “Worst Idea” Exercise – Brainstorm the worst possible solution to a problem. Strangely enough, this often reveals hidden insights and helps teams reverse-engineer better solutions.

• Change the Environment – Rearrange the workspace, go for a walking meeting, or even switch up brainstorming tools. Moving away from the usual setup can unlock fresh thinking.

• Use AI to Organize Thoughts – Platforms like Idea Morph help teams structure scattered ideas, refine concepts, and turn brainstorming chaos into clear next steps.

Build connection through collaboration

Winter is a natural season for connection, so use it as a chance to bring your team closer together. Whether you’re working on a group project or just checking in, focus on creating moments of shared appreciation and understanding. Try out team-building activities, celebrate small wins from the past year, or simply carve out time to chat about non-work topics.

This connection isn’t just about morale—it directly impacts creativity. People who feel supported and valued are more likely to share their ideas and collaborate effectively. Plus, when brainstorming feels more like a conversation than a performance, the ideas come more naturally.

Final thoughts

Winter doesn’t have to be a season of sluggishness—it can be a time for fresh ideas and new energy. By setting the stage with a cozy atmosphere, starting with playful prompts, shifting perspectives, and fostering connection, you can help your team turn the winter blues into a season of creativity gold.

So, grab that hot cocoa, gather your team, and let the ideas flow!