How to deal with creative block

Creative block is the inability to access the flow of inspiration and creativity. It can last for days, months and in some cases even years and can be very frustrating. Most creative individuals are prone to it.

What’s hurting your creativity? Emotional traps. Locked in your own thoughts, you fail to think straight, over-think things and make assumptions; heart-break, financial problems, rejection or other conflicts that cause embarrassment and pain. Financial issues, overload of work, a monotonous routine and emotional issues are likely to lead to low self-esteem and depression.

Working without a break, a lack of sleep and mundane tasks interfere with creativity. Not getting enough sleep can be one major factor. A brain that is not well rested will fail to perform even the simplest of tasks. Being paralysed by too many commitments and obligations can lead to destructive behavior, anxiety, frustration, self-doubt, and self-criticism. Take a Break!!! Do something different. Deal with what’s bothering you, be it personal problems or any other emotional conflicts. Use positive affirmations to deal with inner negativity. Remove the word ‘no’ from your vocabulary!

Disconnect from routine by getting away from your PC and gadgets and do something different. Travel to another country, visit a new city, visit museums, galleries and discover new things. Experiment in the kitchen and cook something or take a long relaxing bath. Sometimes you get the best of ideas in the shower. Keep a diary ready to write down ideas or create an inspiration board to collect images of things that inspire you.

Learn about other cultures, exchange ideas and discuss new things with other people.

Get inspired by other creative people in your industry. Go through their work and find inspiration. Read books — search online or ask friends and peers for inspiring books.

Ride a bike, take a walk by yourself or take your dog along to a nearby park and let nature inspire you. Find the inner child within you and think like a kid again, without limitations and boundaries. Go out with friends for a movie, lunch, play an outdoor game or just hang out with them for a drink and do something fun.

Trust your abilities, stop forcing yourself to do stuff and just relax! Handle your problems without losing your head and confidence. Seek help from friend and family. If nothing works, get professional help.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10^th,  2015.