How to: Avoid creative burnout

 It’s all to easy to burn out and get in a creative rut. Here are some of my ways of getting unstuck creatively.

get out of  creative rut
1. Get outside.
If I’m feeling really stuck, the first thing I do is switch the computer off and get out of the house – either into the garden or even better for a nice long walk in the countryside. It never fails to get my creative juices flowing, even if it’s wet or cold… sometimes fresh air is just what I need!

2. Try something new.
If you normally paint, then get out the writing pad, if you normally knit then try baking… switch it up and step outside of your comfort zone.

3. Always carry a pen and paper with you.
I carry a notebook everywhere and make lists almost obsessively! Jot down ideas as they come to you, sketch things that catch your eye while out and about, stick in that leaf whose colour you love….

4. Turn the music up and dance..

5. Write ‘morning pages

6. Answer these questions: ask yourself: What did I do as a child? What or who made me happy? What did I fill my days with? What did I really not like? what are my favourite memories? What things and activities did I love?

What are your favourite ways to get the creative juices running again?

19 Comments

  1. Fiona

    March 13, 2014 at 09:20

    I find getting out and about always helps to clear my mind. A change of environment and some fresh air can do the world of good! x

  2. Keri-Anne

    March 13, 2014 at 10:09

    WOnderful ideas sweetie. I always have a list of things that help me. I love to watch the beatrix potter videos (we actually have on one now for Mia to watch as i catch up on some blogs). I find the magical stories always bring me back to my childhood.
    Like you, getting outside if another one that helps me and i have a playlist on spotify that always inspires me :) x

  3. Rachel G

    March 13, 2014 at 10:40

    These are great ideas. Switching it up really helps me. When I feel like I can’t write anymore, I sew instead.

  4. laura redburn

    March 13, 2014 at 11:34

    getting outside is probably my favourite when i’m feeling a lack of inspiration or motivation ..sometimes i don’t actually get to work after, but it clears my head which helps in the long run.

  5. Kay

    March 13, 2014 at 13:03

    Although it sounds counterproductive, sometimes when I’m really frustrated with a piece of art or project, I set it aside for a day or two and then come back. Or switch to another project – that always helps!

  6. Fritha

    March 13, 2014 at 18:44

    getting outside is such great one! love your ideas xx

  7. abigail oliver

    March 13, 2014 at 19:39

    These are definitely things I need to push myself to do! We always manage to get outside, as I am the first one to admit I get cranky when I haven’t had enough fresh air!

  8. Jess @ Along Came Cherry

    March 13, 2014 at 19:44

    Good ideas. I always have a note page on my iPhone going with all the ideas that pop into my head when I’m out because if I don’t write them down then I will forget them forever! x

  9. Laura

    March 13, 2014 at 22:24

    I think it’s really important to get outside and put things into perspective – it really is a great way to clear you mind. I totally second carrying a notepad around – I don’t know where I would be without my lists as I remember and forget things so quirky that when an idea comes to me I have to jot it down straight away

    Laura x

  10. Julien Peter Benney

    March 14, 2014 at 23:41

    It is always a tough question for me because, increasingly as I age numerous obsession problems have prevented me for so much as starting projects planned for decades ago! I have never bother to write a plan and know that ephemeral duties have power to stop me from doing what I plan and fear that a great deal.

    Maybe I should have proper paper so I can do parts of my long lists of jobs when the opportunity does arise, rather than try to nite it mentally to no use!

  11. marybeth

    March 15, 2014 at 15:59

    You are refreshing! Morning pages, after a long walk, sounds so perfect these days! Thanks and Blessings!!

  12. Michaela

    March 17, 2014 at 18:46

    Yes yes yes to being outside and morning pages. I’ve just returned to them after a long break and it feels so good! For me, the less I think about my ‘audience’ the more able I am to be creative….

  13. Complicated Gorgeousness

    March 19, 2014 at 21:02

    I work from home so I get like this a lot. These are great tips – I love the being outside one xx

  14. Izzie Anderton

    March 20, 2014 at 12:06

    Thanks for the great advice. For me, venturing into the garden, or tackling one of many domestic tasks around the house often kickstarts creativity all over again!

  15. Jenny

    March 20, 2014 at 13:13

    Thanks for the fab tips. I am loving your blog. I am so glad you introduced yourself on Share With Me. I love to get to know other bloggers and have new blogs to read. I am always looking at how I can be more creative so this post definitely is great to keep in mind. #sharewithme

  16. Carol Cameleon

    March 21, 2014 at 20:26

    Being over-tired does the trick for me. Then when I’m about to go t bed… Wham, the ideas come flowing and out come the pen and pad!…

  17. ghostwritermummy

    March 23, 2014 at 06:29

    Great tips! One thing I learnt when I was doing my Creative Writing degree, was to always carry a notebook around with me. Whenever I see/ hear a quote, or a character, or just think of something I may want to remember, I write it down. And when I am feeling a little out of sorts, I read the notebook and it helps to refocus me. I have so many of these books now!
    x x x

  18. Californian Mum in London

    March 23, 2014 at 20:40

    Great tips. I enjoy having a dance around. :) #sharewithme

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