The dreaded creative block can strike at any time, leaving you staring at a blank screen, a half-written document, with a complete lack of inspiration. While this challenge is a common experience, it can be particularly frustrating when working remotely, especially with a deadline. The usual office distractions can sometimes spark unexpected ideas, but the quiet solitude of your home workspace can make inspiration feel far away.
Do not worry, here is a collection of quick and actionable tips to help you overcome creative block and reignite your creative spark, even when working from home.
- Try to change your scenery and go out for experiences.
Sometimes, a simple change of environment can help when you’re feeling a little uninspired. If you’re feeling stuck, step away from your desk. Take a walk around the block, grab a coffee at a nearby cafe, or even try to visit the nearest office to switch your working environment.
You can also visit a museum exhibit online or in person, attend a virtual concert or lecture, or explore a new part of your city while you’re on break. A change of scenery can jolt your brain out of its rut and spark new ideas.
- Get your body moving.
Exercise isn’t just good for your physical health; it can also boost your creativity. Take a brisk walk, do some stretches, or even have a quick dance session. Getting your blood flowing can help clear your mind and open you up to new ideas.
- Try the power of a nap.
Feeling mentally sluggish? A 20-minute power nap can work wonders. Waking up refreshed can help you approach your work with a renewed sense of focus and creativity.
- Listen to some music.
Music has a powerful effect on our mood and creativity. Create a playlist filled with music that inspires you, uplifts your spirits, and gets your creative juices flowing. (Just be mindful of lyrics if you need to focus on writing.
- Engage in a creative hobby.
Do you have a creative hobby outside of work? Take some time to indulge in it, whether it’s painting, playing an instrument, or writing poetry. Engaging in a different creative pursuit can loosen your thinking and help you approach your work from a fresh perspective.
- Enroll in online lessons.
Sharpen your skills and learn new techniques by enrolling in online courses offered by industry experts. Many platforms offer free or affordable and flexible learning options to fit your schedule and interests.
- Challenge yourself with a creative exercise.
Try a quick brainstorming exercise, search online for a random prompt, or create something using unconventional materials. Challenge yourself to think outside the box and see where it leads.
- Set a timer and freewrite.
Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and freewrite whatever comes to mind. Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or making sense. Just let your thoughts flow freely onto the page. This can help you break through mental barriers and uncover unexpected ideas.
- Do mind mapping.
Open a document and write down your central theme in the center. Branch out with associated ideas, keywords, and anything that comes to mind. Let the connections flow freely and see where it goes.
- Work in short bursts.
If you find your creativity lagging, try working in short bursts. Set a timer for 25-30 minutes of focused work followed by a short break. This can help you maintain focus and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Use a random image generator.
Struggling for visual inspiration? Use online random image generators. These websites display a variety of unexpected images that can spark new ideas and associations.
- Try online mood boards.
Use online mood board platforms to collect visuals, textures, and color palettes that give the desired mood or theme of your project. This can help you define the aesthetic direction and stimulate creative thinking.
- Do AI brainstorming.
Explore the world of AI brainstorming tools. These platforms provide prompts, generate ideas based on keywords, and can even help develop storylines or narratives.
- Schedule a virtual brainstorming session.
Ask your remote teammates for a virtual brainstorming session. Utilize online platforms, or simply video conferencing to bounce ideas off each other to build your task.
- Bounce ideas off someone.
Sometimes, all you need is a fresh pair of eyes. Discuss your creative block with your manager, team member, friend, or family member. Hearing their thoughts and suggestions can help you approach your work from a new angle.
- Connect with online communities.
The internet offers a wealth of online communities for creatives. Join an online forum, participate in a chat room, scroll on creative web pages, or connect with other creatives on social media. These communities can be a valuable source of inspiration, feedback, and support.
Additional tip! Take time to reward yourself. Celebrate your wins! Whenever you complete a particularly challenging project or finally break through your creative block. You can either treat yourself to a coffee break, or an extra episode of your favorite show. Rewarding yourself brings positive behaviors and keeps you motivated to continue conquering creative challenges.
Overcoming creative block is a rarely linear process. There will be times when inspiration will flow, and there will also be times of struggle and creative drought. Try to look at the silver lining and embrace the journey. Don’t be afraid to try new things, embrace the power of breaks, immerse yourself in creative things, and cultivate a creative mindset. Experiment with these quick tips and find what works best for you. With a little effort and perseverance, you can conquer the blank canvas and transform your remote work environment into an exciting world of remote creativity!
