HOW TO: 10 WAYS TO SHAKE YOUR CREATIVE BLOCK

There's nothing worse than finding yourself in a creative rut, especially when there's a deadline looming. Almost all artists, writers and designers experience creative blocks, so the chances are you've already experienced it or will unfortunately experience it in the future. However there is light at the end of the tunnel - Here's a list of 10 ways to help you get your creative juices flowin' again and improve your productivity!

1. Take a break. Turn off your phone and computer. Go outside. This could be spending an hour or two exercising, catching up with friends, or even a day where you just do anything but work. Get some fresh air and clear your head.
   
   
2. Read a book. Not only do books transport you to another place, they can also help you gain new perspectives which can be extremely useful for generating new ideas. A 2009 study found that reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels up to 68%. So why not kill two birds with one stone and read books about conquering your pesky creative block? I suggest checking out Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon, Creative Block by Danielle Krysa and The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.
   
   
3. Surround yourself with creative people. The one thing I miss the most about university is being constantly surrounded by creative minds. Whether it be starting a conversation, joining an art class or getting together with a group of friends, the creative energy of others creates a supportive environment for ideas to flow.
   
   
4. Keep a journal with you at all times. Creativity and inspiration can strike at any time, and unfortunately it's usually at the most inconvenient moments like when you're in the shower or in the car on your way to work or school. Whether it's in a physical note pad or an app on your phone, recording your thoughts and inspirations is a great way to keep track of your creative ideas.
   
   
5. Meditate. Regular meditation helps you get in tune with your inner self and allows creativity to flow freely. 
   
   
6. Declutter. If clearing your mind doesn't help, try clearing your work space. Tidying up and removing unwanted clutter allows you to focus on the work you need to get done.
   
   
7. Experiment. Push the boundaries. The best work is often created by breaking the rules. American cartoonist, Scott Adams once said, “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep". It doesn't matter if the end result isn't exactly what you envisioned - it's all about the process.
   
   
8. Do something creative every single day. Try doing something creative every day, even if it's only for 5 minutes. Paint, draw, sew, take a class, or just go outside and photograph your surroundings. Creative challenges like the 365 project and 100 creative things to do, are great ways to push yourself and refine your skills.
   
   
9. Learn something new. Look beyond your creative field - read the dictionary, watch a documentary or just simply do something that has absolutely nothing to do with your craft. Immersing yourself in particular arts or cultures that you wouldn't normally be interested in can lead to new and interesting ideas.
   
   
10. Finally... watch these two videos:  Make Good Art - Neil Gaiman and Ira Glass on Storytelling