4 Tips For When You've Lost Your Inspiration

It has been a couple weeks since I’ve written a blog post. And according to top bloggers, that is basically a cardinal sin — because real blogs are all about “consistency, consistency, consistency.”

But you know what? We traveled for the holidays, and I spent time with my family and my son started basketball, and my husband was sick…life stuff. Although all of that is true — and there is no way I’m going to put my work before my family — you want to know the biggest reason I haven’t written a blog post in a couple weeks?

Because I haven’t wanted to.

I’ve gone through the list of great blog posts I could write, I’ve turned on my computer and stared at the screen. But I just felt…meh. I had no inspiration.

Now, it should be noted that I have been a professional writer and photographer for more than 10 years now, and my love of these developed long before that. So needless to say, I am a CREATIVE. My life revolves around creative pursuits.

But sometimes, I’m just not feeling it. In those times, I have found some tricks that help get my creative juices flowing again.

1. Get outside

There is nothing like a sunset stroll or a hike in the mountains to clear your head and give you a renewed appreciation for the world around you.

There's nothing better than a great hike!

2. Treat yo self

Now, we’re all familiar with the term “starving artist,” so let’s not go crazy here. You’re not going to feel very creative if you’re stressing about figuring out how to pay for the new yacht you just purchased.

BUT there are other things you can do to unwind and recharge your creative abilities — many that don’t even require spending money! My personal favorites are taking a bath, doing my nails, reading a book or getting a massage.

Maybe your lack of inspiration is just your body’s way of telling you that you need a break. Listen to that.

3. Do something creative that is NOT your profession

You know the scientific principle “an object in motion stays in motion”? Well, I believe that applies to creativity as well. Doing something creative fosters creativity. But maybe you’re so zeroed in on your profession, you’ve found yourself in a rut.

For that, my advice would be to do something creative that is outside of your realm of work. I just started hand lettering and coloring more, and it has been an amazing boost for my creativity. Plus, I discovered I really enjoy it!

4. Try something new

Something completely different! A dance class or a new cake recipe. Just get your mind off of the task at hand and challenge yourself in a new, fun way.

Me and the hubby salsa dancing

And when all else fails: coffee or a nap will pretty much fix anything.

Seriously though, I used to be really hard on myself when I lost my inspiration. I thought that my career was over. But then I remembered, I’m human. I can’t be firing on all cylinders all the time. Sometimes if I do that, my body will send me little warning signs — such as lack of inspiration.

So if you’ve found yourself in a creative drought lately, don’t fret. Everyone has been there; and no, you haven’t lost it forever. Just reassess, refocus, take a breath and move forward.

You got this, artist! I believe in you!

P.S. if you have any other tips that have worked for you, I would love to hear them! Drop a comment below