12 Practical Tips For Getting “Unstuck”
I’ve been feeling a pretty uninspired lately. Anyone else? I’m by all accounts doing “all of the things” to stay mind/body/business healthy during a time of extended weirdness. Even so… just not feeling very creative in a time where I actually have TIME to be creative.
If there is one thing that’s true for me, it’s that creativity doesn’t thrive under pressure and scrutiny. While the answer to climbing out of a rut is different for each individual, here are some things I turn to.
Ideas for getting “Unstuck”
1] Compile a list of things that make you happy or energized so that you can refer back to it later. I have a draft in my inbox that says “to read when you’re down”.
2] Accept it. You can’t be out there slaying it every single day. Having some downtime to reflect and not take action is the natural order of things.
3] Put on actual clothes and go somewhere. I literally put on real pants last night to go to Lowes and look at wall shelves that I wasn’t even planning on buying yet…just for a change of scenery.
4] Do something kind for someone else. It doesn’t have to be anything earth shattering. Even the smallest thing can take the focus off of yourself and make someone else’s day.
5] Cardio or Getting Outside - But seriously, are you so tired of people telling you that? Me too… but if we’re being real, it’s the elephant in the room and is undoubtably the answer to most things.
6] Try your best to go to bed early, get up early and take a few minutes to yourself before the world gets to you. Need some ideas for creating your own morning practice?
7] Mix up your routine - Try switching up when you do your “work work” vs. your “busy work”. Change the time of day you work out or walk the dogs or go to the grocery store. Even a little bit of change to your daily grind can make everything feel fresh and new.
8] Go to the Library - It’s still free! Read a book about something that interests you.
9] Do something a little bit special - Maybe you try out a new recipe or grab a fancy coffee on the way to work. Paint your nails, wash your sheets, get your car cleaned. [That’s my go to list. Take the time to find out what feels special for you].
10] Make space - Organize one little catch all that’s been bugging you. For me there’s the basket by the door where everyone drops their keys, or the overflowing under sink cabinet in the bathroom, or the dreaded Tupperware cubby.
11] Put on your headphones [earbuds, whatever you’ve got]. When I’m feeling either overwhelmed or scattered and unfocused, I’ll put on headphones to some low key study beats and get down to business. I have 2 different plans of attack depending on my mood. A] Tackle the hardest things on my to do list first. B] Clean each inbox from the top down. Take each task as it comes and finish the job to completion.
12] Listen to you what your body is telling you. If you’re tired, take a nap, if you’re hungry, eat, if you aren’t feeling overly productive, relax. You’ll have another chance tomorrow. Our “just power through” culture has forced us to ignore our natural instincts. Creativity is light and playful and will come to you on it’s own terms if you can just find the patience.
