Whether you’re an aspiring author or a world-renowned artist, we all encounter creative blocks at some point in our creative journeys. It can feel like your mind is suddenly drowning in the darkest depths, leaving you holding a pen or brush, staring blankly, with your creativity seemingly drained. But creative blocks are temporary, not permanent. Whether you’re facing writer’s block or artist’s block, the key is to keep moving forward and find ways to break through.

So, let me share with you 10 ways to overcome this mental blockage and help you on your creative journey to swim back from the depths.

1. Embrace Inspiration: The Key to Overcoming Block

You might be thinking, “But SquishyFish, aren’t inspiration and overcoming creative blocks the same thing?” Not exactly. Inspiration is the spark that fuels creativity, while a block is the barrier that stops it. They go hand-in-hand; without inspiration, you can’t push through the mental block, but once it’s finally broken, inspiration can flow again.

Inspiration can come from many sources, such as reading, gaming, watching movies, or simply taking a break. It may come from a new experience or revisiting something that previously sparked creativity. Inspiration is a bridge to overcoming your block. Let it flow, and you’ll find your creative groove.

2. Take a Break, Change Your Environment

Personally, I am a gamer, so I usually distract myself that way. However, on occasion, I enjoy riding my electric bike with my wife around the city or parks. Sometimes, when you’re stuck, the best thing to do is step away from your work. Pushing yourself too hard often leads to frustration, which only deepens the mental blockade. Instead, try changing your environment or taking a break. Play a game, read, or go outside for a walk or bike ride. A fresh setting can provide new ideas and a fresh perspective.

The key is to give yourself space, as some of the best ideas come to us when we’re not directly thinking about the problem.

3. Break It Down Into Baby Steps

Working on something creative can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you’re mentally blocked. The trick is to break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Imagine you’re building a house; would you try and throw a pile of bricks all over the ground and hope for the best, or would you begin stacking one brick at a time? If you’re a writer, aim to write just one page, plot point, or even one paragraph at a time. If you’re an artist, focus on a small section of the piece, such as the outline or just one color, rather than trying to tackle the entire composition at once. By focusing on smaller chunks of your work, you’ll build momentum and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.

A perfect example is the list I created for this blog post. I began the post with a vague idea in mind about overcoming creative blocks. I felt overwhelmed, but I approached it one step at a time, tackling each section separately. I began with the introduction paragraph, and once I finished that, I followed by adding each numbered section one at a time. Each time I finished a section, I would gain a motivational boost that kept me going. I originally wanted to cover 5 ways to overcome creative block, but I ended up expanding to 10 before I knew it, so this method helped me a lot in practice.

4. Embrace Self-Compassion and Setbacks

I find myself overthinking everything I do creatively, and this often leads to the fear that what I’m creating isn’t good enough, or it leaves me feeling stuck with a blocked mind. Perfectionism can paralyze creativity. The fear that your work isn’t good enough can make the block even worse. But setbacks are part of the journey. Remember that nobody is perfect. If your work isn’t in line with your ideal place right now, that’s okay. We all have room to improve and grow since creativity is a process, not a race. Be kind to yourself, take a step back, and trust that your flow will return.

5. Set a Routine and Limit Distractions

A consistent routine can help overcome creative block. For example, every Monday is the day I upload at least one new blog post. Meanwhile, I also set aside time each day to work on my novels, children’s books, and artwork, with the intention of finishing at least 1 chapter and 1 drawing by Monday. This routine provides structure without overwhelming me, allowing me to focus on a tangible goal each week.

On the other hand, distractions like YouTube or checking my phone can easily derail my focus. So, if you have an overactive mind like me, then isolating yourself from distractions should work wonders. Meanwhile, if you’re like my wife, she can multitask more efficiently without getting too distracted from her task at hand.

Overall, setting and maintaining a routine will enable you to establish personal deadlines that help you stay focused and avoid complacency while also providing some peace of mind by knowing you’re not expected to meet any other expectations outside of your schedule.

6. Calm Your Mind

Mindfulness can work wonders in overcoming creative blocks. Simply practicing deep breathing, meditation, or stretching can help clear your mind and relieve stress. A calm, focused mind is often the key to unlocking new ideas, so don’t overlook the power of a quiet moment.

7. Feedback: Get a Fresh Perspective

Sometimes, a creative block can stem from not knowing how to move forward. In these moments, seeking feedback can help you break through the wall. Whether it’s a fellow writer, artist, or a trusted friend, their insights can provide new perspectives and spark fresh ideas. If you’re not ready for a formal workshop, that’s okay; ask friends or family for their thoughts. But if you’re open to it, online communities can be a fantastic place to connect with like-minded people who are eager to offer constructive criticism. Platforms like Reddit, Facebook, X (or Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok have vibrant communities of artists and writers who can help you push past the block. Using online platforms also eliminates any bias your friends or family might have while giving their feedback.

Suppose there is one thing I took away from my time at college as a Creative Writing graduate. In that case, it’s the value of good old-fashioned workshopping.

8. Try Something New

Sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone is the best way to break through a block. Experiment with a different writing style, medium, or technique. In college, I explored various types of writing, including nonfiction, poetry, and others, which expanded my perspective and skills. The same applies to art. For example, learning to draw from real life can improve your anime-style drawings by providing a better understanding of anatomy, lighting, and shapes. Trying new things opens up fresh pathways for creativity. Who knows, you might even discover a new favorite form of creativity.

9. Doodle or Free-Writing Exercises

This one is pretty simple, but if you’re feeling stuck, try doodling or free-writing to get unstuck. The goal is to let your mind wander without worrying about perfection. Just let your creativity flow. For writers, try a quick 10-minute writing exercise or a brief journaling session. For artists, sketch whatever comes to mind with no expectations. These exercises don’t need to make sense or lead to anything polished, but they can clear your mind and help get the creative juices flowing.

If you want proof that doodling works, allow me to introduce you to the logo of this website. That cute little blobfish began as a doodle while I was pondering new ideas for a children’s book.

10. Take Better Care of Yourself

Mental block sometimes signals a need for self-care. When you’re physically healthy, getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating well, your mental state improves, making it easier to overcome blocks.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the most active person on the planet, but I’ve been working on eating healthier and spending more time outdoors, even if it’s just taking a walk through a park. Self-care is key to recharging your creative energy, and I’m already beginning to feel the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.

So if a guy called “SquishyFish” can do it, then so can you!

In conclusion, remember this: creative block can be frustrating, but it’s just a temporary setback. With the right strategies and a little patience, you can push through and get back to creating. Whether you’re a writer or an artist, these methods can help you overcome that mental barrier and reestablish your creative flow.

I’d love to know what your favorite methods are for overcoming creative blocks. Let me know in the comments!