Overcoming a Creative Rut: 10 Helpful Tips

Read Time: 2 minutes

Are you staring at a blank screen? Then watching the clock tick by. Then back to your blank screen. Yes, it has only been two minutes and no, your work did not just magically appear. We’ve all been there. Creative ruts can sneak up on even the most imaginative people. Here are 10 helpful ways to overcome a creative rut:

1.    Take a break.

Sometimes we just need a little break. Taking a break is great for increasing focus, and relieving stress. They can also help prevent “decision fatigue” which can drain your creative energy.

2.    Go for a walk outside. 

There is inspiration all around us if you’re open to it. Walking is also great for your health and can reduce the negative health effects from too much sitting. So, get some movement in and observe the world around you!

3.    Listen to music.

Happy music with high emotions has been shown to increase creativity, specifically it increases the number of ideas. Additionally, a happy mood is believed to accelerate creativity. Music can help get ideas flowing again.

4.    Watch a movie or show. 

Watching a movie or show not only gives your brain a break but can also provide inspiration. You can look at film elements like setting, lighting, dialogue, sound and costume to discover new ideas.

5.    Call a friend.

Calling a friend allows you to vent anything that may be distracting you or stressing you out. Talking to another person is also a great way to get inspired. See if they have any ideas or inspiration for you!

6.    Take a nap.

Thomas Edison used to take a 15-minute power nap whenever he was stumped. A study from the Paris Brain Institute showed that creativity increases when people wake up immediately after drifting into a light sleep, and before falling into a deeper sleep. Get tucked into bed and go catch those Z’s!

7.    Get away.

Getting out and away for a few days or hours is a great way to reignite your creativity. Sometimes you just need to take a couple steps back from a situation or environment to get perspective.

8.    Complete your chores.

Completing your chores is a great way to free up some brain space. Vacuuming and cleaning doesn’t require much active thought which leaves ample opportunities for creative thinking.

9.    Switch it up.

Change something. Do something impulsive. Switch it up. Changing routine can help establish new thought patterns.

10. Doodle.

Sit down, grab a pen and some paper. Set a timer for ten minutes and just doodle your heart out. This is a great way to get out any stress and boost creativity.

To summarize:

Don’t worry, your creativity will come back. If you’d like to free up your time to concentrate on growing your small business, ask us how we can assist you with accounting services that can give you a fresh perspective—and keep you focused firmly on the future.