Whether art, music or creative writing, once our juices start flowing, it’s hard to stop us! There are days when you’ll sit down to write two pages, and wind up writing 10 instead. Sometimes creativity comes in bursts. One day you’ll be burning the midnight oil, but then you might find yourself in a bit of a rough spot.
Like Personal Growth on Facebook
Is there a place in your story that you’ve been stuck on for a while now? Can’t write the hook for your new song? You’re not alone. Everyone has a dry spell now and then and getting out of those spells can be a challenge. You shouldn’t force yourself to compromise. Don’t ever create something you can’t be proud of when you look back on it later.
If it’s taking longer than usual to come up with your next great idea, you might want to take a step back and try changing your routine a little. There are plenty of ways to inspire creativity, without hunching over a pad and paper for hours on end.
Here are a few easy things you can try the next time you need to get your creativity going again.
1. Take A Bike Ride
Not only is bike-riding great exercise for the body, it’s also a chance to be alone with your thoughts in a relaxed setting. You might be inspired by the sights you see along your way or find the clarity you need to get over your latest hump.
2. A Hot Bath
A soak in the tub cleans the body and soul. Some of the greatest writers in history have come up with their best ideas while in the bath. It’s a half-hour vacation from all the worrisome thoughts and concerns of the world. That precious bit of solitude may be just the thing you need to get the gears moving again.
3. Talk It Out
Believe it or not, talking about your ideas with someone else is one of the best ways to come up with even better ideas. Another perspective can certainly help. If you’re stuck, or you don’t know what you should do next, ask a friend to lend you his or her ear. That person may have just the solution you’ve been looking for.
4. Cook A Nice Meal
Cooking can be very therapeutic. It’s colorful, involved and requires a unique set of skills and the discipline to do well. Since it’s usually a lengthy process, you’ll have lots of time to yourself. Not to mention you’ll have the added reward of eating a nice meal when you’re done!
5. Try Something Different
Are you an artist who sculpts with clay? Maybe you should try painting instead. Do you usually write stories? Why not try writing an article or an essay? You can be creative in more ways than one.
If you’re having trouble, why not channel some of that pent up creative energy on something else for a while? You can always come back to your one true love later. Ink and paint aren’t going anywhere, so there’s no need to stare at them when you could be having fun.
6. Enjoy The Works Of Others
Artists are no strangers to using other works as a model for their own. Sometimes you can be inspired by existing art and literature. It could inspire ideas you hadn’t considered on your own. Listen to some music, visit a museum or read a book.
There’s no shame in taking a little break for some culture. Then when you’re done, make something truly unique that only you can create. Maybe someday you’ll help inspire someone else in the very same way.
7. Sleep On It
Relax and try to catch some Z’s. Maybe tomorrow will be a more productive day. There’s no harm in getting a little rest, but pushing yourself is unhealthy. Let your ideas come to you naturally. Hastily made creations are often the first to fall apart.
Like I said earlier, don’t ever create something you can’t be proud of when you look back on it later. You might even have a sudden burst of inspiration as you lay there with your head on the pillow.
Things like writer’s block never last. They come and go, just like the seasons. Be patient, and love whatever you’re doing. Creativity doesn’t need to be rushed.
Enjoy whatever you’re creating and each step that brings you closer to making it. If it takes 10 minutes or 10 days, just be sure you’re happy with it when it’s finally done.
