10 Ways to Overcome a Creative Slump
It happens, even to the best of us! Creative Block is a real thing. I'd first like to say, it's okay. Don't be afraid of it. Sometimes we need a mental and/or physical break. Our minds tire just as our bodies do. Sometimes our lack of creative thought is a message from our mind's eye that we need a mental break. Listen to it. The first step to getting out of this slump is to step away and relax your mind.
So, how long should you step away from your creative projects? Well, that varies. Some might only need a few hours, others a few days, yet others a few weeks. Sometimes, other parts of life prolong the process of climbing out of a slump.
- Step away from your projects and relax your mind.
- Listen to music. Find a new artist or band.
- Take a walk through a natural landscape. Make sure you have your journal with you.
- Take a long drive alone.
- Go to a busy area and people-watch. You might try downtown, the subway, train station, coffee shop or mall.
- Observe the work of others. Maybe you'll find a new technique you'd like to try.
- Keep a journal and pencil next to your bed. Sometimes our best thought happen in the middle of the night or early hours of the morning.
- Doodle if you're an artist. Free-write if you're a writer. You could try picking a theme and then just go. You may find something to build on, but if not, don't criticize your results.
- Try looking at a project from another's perspective. Ask yourself: "How would a graphic designer look at this?" "What would Maya Angelou say about this?" "How would this look to a science fiction writer?"
- If the non-creative aspects of your business are interfering with your creative flow, find new ways to deal with them. Hire help if you can.