Wheels spinning with zero ideas. That familiar sense of complete overwhelm and frustration. You’ve started over 10x and dislike each version more than the last, questioning if you’re really cut out to work in this field, or worthy to participate in this hobby. Maybe you have a brief glimmer of inspiration, only to find yourself back at square one moments later.
Creative block is difficult, but having a list of ways to push through it can lessen the unbearable feeling, and help get you back on track, while growing in the process.
Whether you consider yourself artistic or not, many of these tips can apply to anyone who is feeling stuck or trying to gain a different perspective 🙃
1. Bring it to God
Don’t underestimate the power of saying a simple prayer or reading your Bible. Pour out your frustrations, knowing that He sees you, He understands, and wants to help. After all, God is the ultimate source of inspiration and artistry! Spend some time alone with Him, whether it’s in prayer, listening to worship music, meditating, or even doing the dishes. Ask Him to guide you in the best direction for the project, and align your heart with His.
2. Change your environment
If you work from home, visit a coffee shop. If you work in an office, try to spend some time outside. It doesn’t have to be a dramatic change—adjusting your sitting position, or going to a different room can help get creative juices flowing again.
3. Have a snack
Eat a crunchy snack, or something with distinct texture or flavor. This small change engages a different sense, which can help to shift your thinking.
4. Take a break
Distance yourself from the work for a couple days, if possible. Sometimes our bodies and minds just need to be unplugged from the task at hand, so we can return to it later with a fresh perspective.
5. Listen to music
Spend time finding a song with the same emotion you want to convey in your writing, art, etc. If you’re really committed, you can even make a whole playlist—just don’t let it distract from deadlines or turn into procrastination!
6. Seek out inspiration
Read a book excerpt or watch a movie clip that inspires the piece you’re working on. Exposing ourselves to work we find value in can help push past a creative slump (but be mindful not to plagiarize!)
7. Play with order
(This one is specific to writing)
Jot down main story lines or each line of a poem onto different slips of paper. Mix them up, and play around with the order to see what impact the work could have based on different arrangements.
8. Brain dump
Write, draw, paint, journal, cook, dance… anything different from what you’ve been doing. Even if you think it’s horrible or you look stupid, remember it’s part of the process and can always be changed later on. Try to have fun with it!
9. Take a shower
Contact with water is more soothing than we often realize, which can help you to relax, be more mindful, and slow down any frustrated thoughts.
10. Drink something
Have a cup of tea or coffee (or whatever your go to drink is). This one might be a placebo, but I always feel more professional drinking a hot cup of tea, which usually helps to produce better material!
11. Observe the moment
Close your sketchbook, notebook, art bin, laptop. Step outside or stare out the nearest window. Let your mind wander, observe what’s going on around you, pay attention to anything you notice—the smallest details, random questions, thoughts, ideas, everything. Always pay attention.
≫ Which tip is your favorite? If you have other ideas not listed, share them below to help out some kindred souls!
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Featured image by Tara Winstead on Pexels
