Bounce Back From Your Next Creative Rut With These Helpful Tips
When I first started blogging, I was a guest on Muse Room Podcast (check out episode 18—and then listen to all of them because they’re that good). I remember entering the interview nervous but hungry for connection. As a new blogger, I had so much to say! So much to write about! So many human-centered stories to share.
I was full of answers until Katie, the host, posed a question I’ll never forget:
“What do you do to combat writer’s block?”
As a new blogger, writer’s block wasn’t something I struggled with much. However, I knew it wouldn’t always be that easy.
Let’s put it this way: whether you’re a writer or not, waking up with a creative block of any kind is, well, a really shitty feeling. On top of the lump-of-bricks-in-your-stomach, it’s hard not to become frustrated with yourself when you’re feeling uninspired and unable to break through the invisible wall inside of you.
This (now common) sensation always reminds me of my answer to Katie’s question,
…which I’ll get to later.
After a recent bout with writer’s block, I asked my Instagram audience how they combat their own creative barriers and their answers were nothing short of inspiring. So damn good, in fact, that I’ve compiled them all here for you to refer back to the next time you’re feeling uninspired yourself—or when you can feel the creativity inside of you but it just won’t come out. Ugh. I know you get it.
Next time you find yourself in a creative rut, try bouncing back with these helpful tips (straight from the mouths of fellow creators):
Go ahead, right click and save this infographic for later.
meet the creatives behind the suggestions:
“Going on a hike helps rest me!” - Katia, @katiakoerner
Katia owns a social media marketing, branding, and illustration studio in Austin, Texas.
“For me, learning a new skill has always been the best answer.” - Brian, @brianxchin
Brian is a Creative Director at Vayner Media in New York City.
“Listening to music always helps me!” - Courtney, @randomosity740
Courtney is a personal stylist that teaches women to dress with confidence in Columbus, Ohio.
“Calling a friend and brainstorming! Making a vision board! Looking through magazines!” - Megh, @meghwingenfeld
Megh is a DIY Creative, splitting her time between Cleveland, Ohio, and New York City.
“Put tech in airplane mode & move my body (walk ,dance to a stong, work out, stretch) - Alina, @alinarae_rising
Alina is a motivational queen living her best life in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
“Cooking!” - Jo, @jxmblack
Jo is an artist from Allentown, Pennsylvania.
“Switching from one creative hobby to another / simply going somewhere I haven’t been!” - Tatiana, @hazel.photo
Tatiana is a wedding, lifestyle, and branding photographer in Brooklyn, New York.
“Taking a walk!” - Mike, @pixburghmike
Mike is a teacher, writer, and poet from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
“Allowing yourself to take a break but eventually bouncing back with a problem solving attitude and journaling.” - Sam, @heckstudios
Sam is a graphic designer and hand-embroidery artist in Brooklyn, New York.
my advice for combating creative blocks is the same as it was when katie interviewed me a few years back…
Let yourself feel as long as you need to feel. Like all feelings, creative blocks don’t stay around forever. Don’t push yourself. The words will be written when they’re supposed to be written. The work will get done when it’s supposed to get done.
Trust that creativity thrives when we let go of expectations.