I was at the gym today pumping iron. No, I'm not going for the Ms. Beefcake America award. I just want the underside of my arms not to be so flappy when I wear a sleeveless dress at my daughter's wedding next month.

Anyway, there I am, grunting my way through the second rep of tricep presses when one of the older fellas comes over and says, "Hey, you're an author. How would you describe how cold it is outside?"

Once I catch my breath, I answer, "Uhh...I'm kind of in denial about the whole record-breaking below zero weather we're having. Ask me in July."

He continued on, really trying to get me to spout some prose, but here's a newsflash: writers don't always have their thinking cap on, especially in the gym.

And especially in the morning.

Before coffee.

It's true that writers are creative creatures, but even creativity has its limits. In fact, sometimes limits even help creativity.

When you place random limitations on yourself, you are forced to think outside the box, which can sometimes result in blockbuster work. Example: Dr. Seuss bet that he could write a children's story by using only 50 words. The result?   Green Eggs and Ham.

The thing is, though, that this creative limitation requires a relaxed mental state. Creativity connects information, but in order to be aware enough to capture that information, you've got to be "in the zone." How? The key is relaxation. I'm not talking pulling out your pillow and curling up with the satiny edge of your blankie, though if that's what it takes for you, uh, be my guest.

Some people get outside and go for walks in nature. Others go through the process of making a cup of tea then sit and sip for awhile. It's different for everyone. As for me, lifting weights in the gym is NOT on the ol' relaxation list, which is why my brain was in shut down mode this morning.

What about you? What activities get your creative juices flowing?