5 Ways to Get Out of a Creative Rut

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These are some of the ways I’ve learned in the past several years that help me reset my mind and get out of a creative rut.

Creative Ruts. They happen to the best of us, and even the most creative people you look up to suffer from time to time. I had a hard time when I got back from my Italy/Ireland vacation, even after being in such beautiful places I was still left with ZERO creative ideas to share with you. I’m slowly getting back into the swing of things, and even shared these fun plant labels with you last week.

Before we get into these 5 ways to get out of a creative rut, let me just say that this doesn’t only apply to artists in a traditional sense. If you create something, be it paintings, jewelry, short (or long) stories, or even recipes, and blog posts, then you are a creative and this post applies to you!

5 Ways to Get Out of a Creative Rut

Spend time outdoors

This is a huge one for me. I find that when I can just be outside, soaking up the Sun and turning my brain off to distractions can really help me get out of a creative rut. There is something to be said with getting a hearty dose of Vitamin D, while listening to the sounds of nature! This is why some of my most creative ideas come to be while Mr. Amanda Kay and I are out camping!

Go shopping

This is a great one for me! When the sun isn’t shining, or even in the Winter, going shopping even with no intention of buying, can really lift my spirits.  In turn, that usually gets my creative juices flowing again. Lately, browsing plant nurseries and farmer’s markets has really sparked some creative ideas believe it or not!

Take a social media hiatus

Comparison is the thief of joy, or in this case, creativity. Social Media can suck all of the fun out of being creative just because it’s so easy to focus on what is wrong with your creations, or compare to those accounts that have more followers, more engagement, more success, than you. Take a vacation from social media and it will do wonders for your soul! Even if you just take a week or weekend off.

Make something just for you

If you own a creative business, you might get run down constantly creating things for others to consume or purchase. After running a food and DIY blog for the last 6 years, and then starting a handmade business and now this blog, I know this feeling all too well. It’s called burn out and can cause the biggest creative ruts. If I feel like I am on the verge of burning out, I will take a step back and create something that is just for me. Sometimes I might share it on social media, but for the most part those things for me only. Usually, when I am creating for me, it’s something that is entirely different from what I generally do and can spark a whole new interest or idea.

One project I have started recently is an adult paint by number. I’m not very good at painting images from scratch, but I really do enjoy painting. I always have. The paint by number gives me a challenge, but at the same time is very soothing and relaxing. It also helps get those creative juices flowing and I can even come up with new creative ideas while I’m painting. I chose to have a custom paint by number kit made just for me of my best girl, my puppy dog Delilah. You can get your own quality paint by number kit, either custom or choose from one of their premade designs at Winnie’s Picks. The quality of the canvas and print is top notch and the paint goes on smoothly. They send everything you need too including the paintbrushes.

Don’t force it

Forcing creativity just for creativity sake usually leaves me feeling even more defeated so I try not to force my hand. Instead try the above tips for getting out of a creative rut and wait for creativity to spark!

What are some things that you do when you aren’t feeling creative?

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