5 Ways to unstuck yourself when you’ve run out of creative juice

Creativity is a fickle beast. It can be your greatest ally one minute, and your worst enemy the next.

If you're someone who relies on creativity to make a living or to keep your spirits high, you'll know that feeling of being "stuck" all too well. Fortunately, there are ways to get unstuck when you've run out of creative juice. Here are five ways to try.

1. Take a break

It might seem counterintuitive, but taking a break from your creative work can often help you get unstuck. When you're feeling uninspired, stepping away from the task at hand can give your brain a chance to reset. Take a walk, read a book, or do something completely unrelated to your work. You might be surprised at how much better you feel when you return to your creative work.

2. Collaborate

Sometimes, all it takes to get your creative juices flowing again is a fresh perspective. Reach out to a fellow creative and see if they're interested in collaborating on a project with you. Bouncing ideas off someone else can help spark new ideas and get you out of your creative rut.

3. Change your surroundings

If you've been working in the same environment for a while, a change of scenery might be just what you need to get unstuck. Try working in a different location, whether that's a coffee shop, a park, or even just a different room in your house. The change of scenery can help your brain feel more alert and engaged.

4. Try a different medium

If you've been working in the same medium for a while, switching things up can help you find new inspiration. If you're a writer, try painting or drawing. If you're a photographer, try writing a short story. The change in medium can help you approach your work from a different angle and help you find new ideas.

5. Revisit your favourites

Sometimes, when you're feeling stuck, it can be helpful to go back to the things that inspired you in the first place. Look back at your favourite books, movies, or albums, and see if they spark any new ideas. Often, revisiting the things that inspired you in the past can help reignite your creativity in the present.

Whatever you're going to try, keep in mind that getting unstuck when you've run out of creative juice can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Next time you're feeling stuck, try out these tips and see if they work for you. Creativity might be fickle, but with a little effort, you can learn to coax it back into action.