If you’re feeling uninspired and creatively blocked, you’re not alone. A creative slump can happen to anyone, and it’s often tough to overcome. However, with a little bit of effort, you can get your creative juices flowing again and start producing great work. Here are a few places we turn for inspiration or tips we try when we are experiencing a creative roadblock.
Change Your Routine
Doing the same thing every day can stunt your creativity. It can prevent you from feeling inspired because you’re not experiencing anything new. Instead, challenge your thought process by switching things up. Rather than using your computer, write with a pen and paper; or work outside instead of in your office. Even the smallest change can trigger your senses, which can help you get out of a creative funk.
Check Out Your Screenshots Folder
How often do you screenshot something you love and want to remember, only to forget about it? Regardless of whether or not the screenshotted material has to do with what you are working on, looking at or reviewing posts or images that you find beautiful in some way is a great way to just get your mind moving in that creative direction.
If you don’t already screenshot or save posts, general ideas, captions, images, recipes, or graphics
that you find inspirational or useful, you should start. While we never encourage copying another
artist, using their work as inspiration is a great way to light that creative fire.
Visit Pinterest
This creative platform is one of the best places to go when you need some inspiration for a project you are working on. You can search for anything and everything, from creative photography ideas to watercolor painting tutorials. Saving pins in organized boards is a great way to make it easy to reference when you need that inspiration.
Think Positive
It can be hard to be creative when you surround yourself with negativity. Try to think of happy, original thoughts when your environment is toxic. Improve your life by complaining less often and surrounding yourself with positive people.
Step Away From Your Project
Have you ever had one of those moments where you’ve been trying to solve a problem but you couldn’t find a solution until you did something completely different? For instance, you might have thought of it while you were taking a shower or walking the dog. Stepping away from the problem at hand allows your brain to relax and process information. Rather than fixating on a project, take a step back and focus on something else for a short time.
Next time you’re in a slump, remember that you’re not alone. It’s better to close the laptop and try again later than to force yourself to work when you’re not feeling inspired or productive. Use the resources around you and return when you feel like you’ve received the inspiration you need.