Banish the Block: How to Keep Your Creative Juices Flowing
Part one
Are you a writer or creative struggling to overcome writer's block and creative burnout? If so, this article is for you! Learn how to manage your "creative hygiene" with practical strategies to recharge your imagination, stay productive, and achieve your goals.
As a professional writer and editor, I often encounter situations where my creativity just isn't flowing. But after years of working as a copywriter and writing coach, I've learned that my mental health and well-being are directly tied to my creative output. You simply can't create art when you are feeling stressed or run-down. When I notice that my "creative cup" is running dry, I lean on some techniques and routines that promote wellbeing and keep burnout at bay. Let’s dive into some practical strategies to help you tap into your creative well and stay productive.
Get out in nature
There is a reason that great songwriters, poets, and artists find nature inspiring. It’s scientifically proven to boost your mood and reduce depression and anxiety. When my kids are grumpy, I kick them outside because I know their mood will improve. (It makes it better for everyone in the house!) Beyond the science, I just feel great when I’m walking the dog through the woods near my house. It’s spiritual. It recharges me and helps me get into a creative flow state. This is where the magic happens. To capture that stroke of inspiration, I use the recorder app on my phone to record my thoughts. Then I can upload the transcript to a Google Doc. This allowed me to refine my writing before adding it to my manuscript.
Embrace the silence
A long walk in the woods often leaves me refreshed and ready to write. But finding a quiet place to write without distractions can be nearly impossible. It is one of my ongoing quests as a writer. Where can I write without being bothered? With two children, finding a quiet, distraction-free place is one of my biggest challenges. Even when I’ve told my whole family verbally and on the family group chat that I’m “Locking myself away to write for an hour,” someone always needs my attention. I tried to put a sign on the door, but that doesn’t work either. What do I do? I take my laptop and journal to cafes, abandoned parking lots, and empty picnic tables at parks. But one of the best places to write is my coworking space. I highly recommend finding a place that inspires you and allows you the freedom to focus on your craft. Beyond getting outdoors, sometimes breaking through writer’s block requires dabbling in other art forms or engaging in meditative activities.
Make other art
There are times when I'm writing, and I just can't think of the right way to express an idea. I ponder and ponder, and pour over thesauri (the plural of thesaurus) and word banks. Sometimes, ChatGPT or Gemini can help, but not when I'm this brain-dead! These moments suck for any creatives, but it's often a sign that my brain needs a freaking break! For example, I've learned that assembling a puzzle allows my brain to form new connections in my writing. It can help me think about problems and solutions in a new way. Other outlets, such as coloring or creating a collage, help me to step back into a creative flow. I've also noticed that my writing really flows when I go old school and write by hand in my journal. When I’m stuck on a sentence or idea, the physicality of writing by hand seems to help me break through my creative block. Another key to boosting your imagination lies in feeding your curiosity and seeking new forms of inspiration.
Staying curious and feeding your “muse”
Okay, I’ll admit it, I’m a podcast addict. I listen when I’m doing chores, working (sometimes), or gardening. I’m a naturally curious person who loves learning new things, and podcasts scratch that itch for me. For me, curiosity means that your mind is open to finding inspiration in unusual places and being brave enough to step outside of your comfort zone. For example, if you're usually a nonfiction reader, consider asking a librarian about their favorite new science fiction or fantasy book. You just never know what will inspire you, so don't let fear or judgment get in the way of finding your muse.
Another thing that accomplished writers all do: read. You honestly can’t be a good writer if you don’t read. It expands your mind, your perception of the world, and helps you gain insight and empathy for others. You don’t need to only read literary novels or classics, either. If you have a genre you like, read that. However, be open to reading other voices, genres, and topics. You might find inspiration where you least expect it. Additionally, I find that listening to music, watching movies at the theater, and browsing through beautiful images on Pinterest or Instagram can really spark my imagination.
Caring for myself in the right ways.
It's a cliche to talk about self-care, but I can't create when I'm hungry, tired, stressed, or burned out. I just can't. That's why caring for myself needs to be part of my daily routine. For instance, I know that walking energizes and inspires me, and luckily, my dog Scout gives me a reason to exercise daily. However, I still have days when I get distracted and forget to nourish my body and mind. For example, I was writing an article a few weeks ago when I noticed that I was having trouble thinking of how to phrase a particular sentence. Despite my efforts and the technical tools I was using, my brain felt sluggish, and I couldn't think clearly. I thought back to my morning routine and realized my mistake; I hadn't gone for my usual morning walk, and I had only eaten a few bites of a granola bar for breakfast. So that's why I felt hangry and slow! After taking a walk and having a more nutritious snack, I felt much better and was able to finish my work.
Let go of perfection.
If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.- Margaret Atwood.
Finally, you must pummel the true enemy of creativity: the pursuit of perfection. My closest friends and family might not see me as meticulous in my daily life, but when it comes to my writing, I am a perfectionist. I am very critical of myself and my writing process, but the problem with perfection is that it gets in the way of creating art. My self-criticism manifested as a fear of sharing my writing with others. For years, I rarely let anyone read my writing unless I was sure that it met the high standards I had set for myself. I would obsess over minor word choices and spend tons of time "fixing" things that weren't broken. As a copywriter, this cost me time and money. A blog about the history of slate roofing doesn't need to be word-perfect. It just needs to make sense and make the business owners happy. I had to set a new, realistic goal for myself, so I decided that if I was 85% happy with the work, then it was palatable enough for human consumption. Letting go of perfection helped me to get out of my own way and finally start creating.
Everyone is different when it comes to their creative process, so find what works for you.
Here are some questions and tips to help you manage your creative hygiene and stay inspired.
Self-assessment questions:
Think back to times when you were in a creative flow. What were you doing? What gets you into a creative headspace?
What outdoor activities do you enjoy the most? What recharges your spirit?
What media makes you feel inspired?
What media makes you feel depleted (for me, it’s often social media or the news)?
What are your favorite ways to “fill your creative cup”?
Tips:
Take a day-trip.
Look at pretty pictures on Pinterest or Instagram.
Go see a movie in the theater.
Try replacing your regular podcast listening with audiobooks or music (Check out your local library for audiobooks, or Libro FM, which donates part of the profit to a local bookstore of your choice).
Take an inventory of your self-care rituals, consider what’s working well, and identify areas that need improvement. Let your family know that writing will be a regular part of your routine, and ask them to respect your time and space.
If you’re in the process of writing a book, writer’s block is sure to happen, but that’s okay! We have guided many first-time writers through the book-writing process, and we can help you stay productive and inspired so that you can finally finish that book! If you have any questions about writing, editing, or self-publishing, we're here to help. Contact us today.