Working in a creative profession can be incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re an artist, a writer, a designer, or something in-between, there’s something enchanting about making a living solely on creativity. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though.
Creativity isn’t an infinite well. It’s possible to run out. To suffer from brain drain and struggle against a creative block.
The good news is that if you’re feeling drained, there are multiple ways you can recharge.
Cut off Distractions
We live in a culture of distraction.
Our phones are constantly buzzing with alerts from social networks and push notifications from installed apps. We’re drowning in work emails and messages from workplace collaboration tools. No matter where we go on the web, advertisers, and brands vie for our attention.
It’s exhausting, and most of us don’t realize just how much. For that reason, next time you’re feeling creatively drained, consider disconnecting. Turn off your phone, step away from your computer, and do something that doesn’t involve technology.
Take as long as you need, and when you come back, you might be surprised at how refreshed you feel.
Take Care of Yourself
Particularly among creatives, there’s a tendency to neglect one’s needs when actively engaged in one’s work. While this level of creative flow is certainly admirable, it also takes its toll. At its core, your body is a biological machine.
And like any machine, it doesn’t work effectively if it’s not properly maintained.
As such, if you’re feeling drained, ask yourself when you last ate. When you last engaged in some exercise. When you last slept, and how much sleep you got.
Have a snack. Go for a jog. Take a nap. Take care of your body, and your mind will be both sharper and more focused.
Do Something Fun
Never underestimate the value of giving your brain a chance to unwind. Whether you play a video game, do some exercise, or watch something entertaining on Netflix, taking the time to engage in an activity you enjoy could be just the ticket to reclaiming your creative spark. It gives your brain a chance to effectively ‘switch off,’ and gives you a chance to relax and stop trying to solve whatever creative problem you’ve been struggling with.
When you come back after, the answer to your problem may already be waiting in your mind.
Read. Browse. Explore.
It’s been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. That applies to art as much as anything else. If you’re having trouble working out the details of a creative project, it may be worthwhile to take a look at what other people are doing.
Read a book. Look at some arts and crafts projects on Pinterest or Instagram. Listen to some music.
In short, take the time to explore, and seek inspiration in other artists.
Reach Out
Artistic collaboration can be both enriching and inspiring. For that reason, if you’ve friends or colleagues in the same field as you, consider chatting with them about whatever you’re stuck on. Work together to find a solution to your problem, or simply collaborate on an unrelated project.
Even if you don’t have colleagues, you might consider checking out Reddit or a similar site for a community dedicated to your craft.
Reclaim Your Energy
Creativity isn’t infinite, but creative drain also isn’t a permanent state. There’s no shame in taking a step back to recharge. Next time you’re feeling stuck on a project, try some of the techniques above.