How to Break Through That Creative Rut

Have you ever been up against a deadline (work or personal) and you have total writer’s block? Maybe you’re trying to decorate your dining room table for a dinner party and nothing looks right? Let’s be honest…it happens to the best of us and it’s always in varying degrees. Whether it lasts a few hours or a few days, it can be totally maddening.

If you’re sleepy, overwhelmed, stressed out or just feeling rushed, these can all be factors to that mental block. Or, maybe you’re just having an off day. Here are four ways that help us break through that rut and give us a spark of creativity.

1. Take a break, grab some tea and chill out. It sounds so simple and you’ve probably heard it a million times before, but it really does work. Depending on how much time you have, just take a few deep breaths, walk to the kitchen and try to let your mind wonder off. My personal favorite is to put on a face mask and flip through a magazine or two.
2. Change your scenery. Working at your desk? Head to the kitchen and belly up to the barstools. Working on the couch? Change it up and head to the dining room table. Experts say that travel can leave you feeling inspired and more creative, but when you’re in a pinch and limited to your home, the same logic applies.
3. Workout. Working out or getting some form of exercise every day can leave you feeling more creative and alert all around. This is something that we’ve really been trying to work on lately. With full-time jobs, a blog, friends and family and a busy social calendar, it’s hard to dedicate an hour every day. Even if it’s only a 20 minute run or a 30 minute gym visit, fit it in whenever and for however long you can. It’s totally worth it.
4. Get creativity from others. My favorite thing to do when needing inspiration is finding it from others. Whether that’s Instagram, Pinterest, talking with an old friend or paroozing the Internet, there’s so much inspiration all around us. Sometimes when we can’t find it within ourselves, it’s helpful to see what other people are doing.

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