9 Tips to Help Overcome Creative Block While Working from Home

Being in a creative lull is never fun, but it happens to everyone. However, some people don’t feel it when they work in an office setting. It only occurs when they’re working from home. It’s possible to overcome creative block, and we’ve got some tips to help you.

What Is Creative Block?

Creative block goes by many names, such as art block, writer’s block, or blank canvas syndrome. Regardless of what you call it, the phrase means that you start your day to create something but sit staring at the blank page with no ideas on what to make or how to start.

There are many causes of this issue, and it can help to learn how to get over creative block. That way, if it happens to you, you can try a few of these tips to see if that helps.

Tips for Overcome Creative Block 

1. Exercise

Did you know that getting routine and regular exercise can boost productivity and creativity? Your brain needs oxygen to work, and exercise can give it what it needs. While you could go outside and run a mile, it can be as simple as standing up for a while.

An office desk can help you deal with creative block. You’re now on your feet, rearranging things on the desk, moving from foot to foot, and finding new angles. Typically, you’re going to see that ideas come faster, which can help during the brainstorming phase or when you’re trying to get out of a creative slump.

2. Do Things Right

Owning a standing desk is only the beginning. You’ve got to make sure everything is set up correctly. This includes watching your posture, using the right work equipment, setting up the workstation correctly, and focusing on lighting. When you own a suitable standing desk and ergonomic chair, you can sit and stand safely and correctly. It’s also important to learn what other hacks you can do to give yourself a creative edge.

3. Think Outside the Box

You already know what your job requires, so you have no issues there. The biggest problem right now is trying to think outside the box to be more ergonomic. Ergonomics plays a huge role in your ability to overcome creative block. Your goal is to grow creative thinking skills, and that means focusing on your environment, especially if you’re a designer.

4. Set Up the Desk

You may be working in a much smaller space than you want. This can actually cause creative block because you feel cramped, and your brain can’t focus on the task at hand. Therefore, it’s a good idea to make sure that your desk is set up correctly. That is going to help you deal with creative block because you are more organized and ready for the day.

5. Get Inspired

The best way to get out of a creative slump is to get inspired. It’s almost impossible to come up with ideas out of nowhere. Look at different data sources and see if that inspires something in your mind. This can include reading blogs, using open forums online, and much more.

It’s also possible to take inspiration from sources outside your normal ones. For example, if you’re an interior designer, you may read design magazines and forums. Take a break from that and read about painting or another related outlet. You might be surprised at what you can come up with. If nothing else, visit online topic generators to get inspiration and deal with creative block.

6. Take a Break

Those who want to learn how to get over creative block might need to take a break from the same thing. When you use a standing desk, you can stand up after sitting for a long time. Even that small gesture can get the creative juices flowing. If that isn’t enough, though, and you’re still trying to work out ideas, it might be time to leave the home office. Go for a short walk, make lunch, or go for a drive.

7. Make Things Fun

Most people feel that they have to be serious when they’re in the home office. However, you can’t overcome creative block if you don’t feel relaxed. Let the wild side out a little by using colored pens, post-it notes, and different paper colors. In fact, go offline to brainstorm using paper. You may also want to put on a favorite music artist or podcast to get in the zone.

8. Change Your Routine

If you’re like many people, the idea of change is a scary concept. However, the only way to be great and successful is to upgrade. This includes your routine! You may wake up at the same time each day and do the same things (shower, eat breakfast, brush your teeth, etc.) While good habits are essential, some parts of the routine may not be working for you.

For example, if you always wake up and get on social media, there’s the potential for aggravation and stress. If someone made a rude comment, it puts you in a bad mood. Consider staying offline for the first few hours so that you can devote that time to positivity and thinking about your project or task. This is a great way to overcome creative block and one that most people don’t consider.

9. Work out Problems

Everyone experiences stress and problems at some point in their personal lives. It’s easy to leave those at the door of the office, but when you’re working from home, your personal life is more involved and at the ready.

In this situation, the best way to deal with creative block is to work out the drama and problems to reduce stress.

Conclusion

There are going to be times where you just can’t think of a topic or get ideas from anything. It’s not something you want to happen, but you can overcome creative block when working from home. These nine tips can help you get out of a creative slump and get to work! It all starts with having the right workstation and setup, and it goes from there to meditation, exercise, and balancing work and home life.

Cover image by Jeffery Erhunse via Unplash.