Having DIY tricks up your sleeve involves a lot of creativity, which many people think they lack. If you’re part of that demographic, you can train your brain to think more outside the box. 

Spending more time outdoors is one way to do this. Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that a 25-minute walk in a green urban area can help quiet the mind and put it on autopilot mode. 

When this happens, our brains enter a state of present awareness, sparking the imagination and allowing creative juices to flow.

Every person is wired differently, and each has a unique worldview. Connecting with different kinds of people is another way to get the mind to think creatively. 

A study by Johns Hopkins University supports this. Researchers found that exposure to diverse experiences may foster more complex forms of thought, including critical thinking, deeper analytical skills, and creativity.

Let’s switch our focus to DIY projects, which this list is also about. If you’re a beginner at it, you want to do as much as possible without spending too much. Michael Di Martino of New Jersey-based home improvement company Power Home Remodeling advises starting with interior painting, which adds value to the home. 

“Things like landscaping, building a firepit, and even building a simple outdoor farm table can be easy DIY projects, too,” Di Martino told The Washington Post, suggesting other activities like redoing a basement and turning it into a recreation room.

The ugly side of DIY projects—or any housework, for that matter—is the likelihood of injuries. As a homeowner, you must know your limits and when to seek professional assistance. 

New York-based home care expert Bailey Carson advises avoiding any task that requires special licenses. These include electrical work, plumbing, and other jobs that may put you at risk of handling toxic materials. 

Carson suggests looking into the three T’s—tools, talent, and time—if you need further evaluation. Ask yourself a few simple questions: Do you have the necessary tools? Do you have ample time to execute your project? Are you confident enough in your talent and abilities to get it done?

Now, we’d like to hear from you, readers. What’s a DIY project you’re proud of that could easily pass off as “redneck engineering”? Share them in the comments below!