A guest post by Samantha Anderson. 

Much like writer’s block, the need to break the creativity block can affect even the most resilient professional.

The ability to stay enthusiastic and energetic all the time while creating inventive work is hard. The creative industry knows this is by no means a piece of cake. However, for every problem there is always a solution.

Creativity block usually happens due to mental fatigue after you’ve been working nonstop on a project. The human body and mind needs rest to be able to be repaired; if this doesn’t happen the result is a sense of helplessness.

How to break the creativity block

Creativity block is not a disease, but a temporary mode of inactivity in your mind, fuelled by your urge to fight it and create something.

This is not a new concept, but one which has troubled creative people for a long time. Here are seven most common ways and methods that struggling artists use to break the creativity block, so you can return to your creative pursuits.

Note that these have been sourced from interviews given by established artists – writers, painters, graphic designers and fashion designers – from around the world.

1. Time to question yourself

The first step to understanding how to break the creativity block is to check if it’s real or in fact something else. Frequently it can be just normal exhaustion easily remedied by a period of rest.

Once you’ve confirmed that it is creativity block that’s hampering your work schedule, the next step is to understand where it came from. Did it arise from your previous project? Is your current project too much to cope with?

Knowing what the source is will clarify many things, and one solution is to avoid such issues in the future. If working on your latest creative project results in sleepless nights, then you need to find an alternative.

2. Break some bad habits

Is your inability to break the creativity block caused by a bad habit? Now’s time to get rid of it.

Uselessly surfing on the web without any productive gain can lead to creativity block. Social media could easily divert your attention way to something else less profitable.

As an artist, you know time is of the essence, and you must use it wisely. Substitute this bad habit with a better one and see what happens. Instead of checking Facebook to take a break from a project, go out for a walk instead.

3. Try some new experiences

If your creativity block prevents your project from being completed in time, it may be a good idea to take some time off.

For example, if you have been trying to complete the design of a new chair and you’re finding it difficult to break the creativity block, try taking few days off so you can try a new experience.

Hanging out with your friends is not classified as a new experience. Do something you have not tried before. Ever considered free-falling? Do it! Does the thought cycling in the countryside appeal to you? Now’s the time!

4. Shake up your surroundings

How cluttered is your desk? Is your room untidy? Is it necessary to reduce your overcrowded computer desktop screen?

While these things may seem minor to you, they may be affecting your productivity. A cluttered desk may be attributed to an uncluttered mind, but minimalism often works when it comes to trying to break the creativity block.

Try clearing your desk where you mainly work, use a different study room, or even go to a new place for a week. Shaking up your surroundings – even simply repainting your room a different colour – can help to break creativity block.

5. Get some more sleep

Sometimes the old tricks work best when attempting to break the creativity block. Not having a good night’s sleep can result in a drastic affect on your productivity. It can even have a negative impact on the quality of your work.

You can find lots of guides related to getting enough sleep, but focus on getting at least six to eight hours. Power naps may certainly help, but nothing beats a good night’s sleep.

6. Start running regularly

Those who have made running a part of their morning routine never complain about creativity block.

Starting the day with a brisk walk or a fully-fledged run (with air shoes and all) can have a tremendous impact on the rest of your day. You’ll get more work done if you have started your day with lots of exercise and a good breakfast.

7. Free your emotions

Freeing up your emotions – such as screaming from the edge of a precipice – is a good way to remove all those pent-up feelings from your mind.

If a recent illness or death in the family is a cause for your creativity block, then letting go of your emotions can do the trick. Understanding that grieving is part of life can be very helpful in these situations.

These are the top seven ways that can help you to break the creativity block. Take the first step to understand the source of the block and then find a solution for it. Using the above-listed tricks can help you to get back on track.

About the author:

Samantha Anderson is educator and blogger. She loves teaching and is an open-minded person that always looks for additional ways to self-growth. She applies her educational experience to writing study tips for students on her blog and writing research papers for writing service WriteMyPaper.Today.

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