How to Get Your Creative Groove Back

Have you ever been in a creative funk?  Some friends and I were talking the other day about how difficult it can be to get back into a routine after a break from work (due to holidays, vacations, super busy seasons, etc.).  

Even when the daily physical motions are back in order (kids are in school, we’re waking up early again, laundry, chores, etc.), mentally we may still be trying to find our focus even weeks later.

It’s not because we’re lazy (far from it!)… but because our minds are usually so active with thoughts and ideas, sometimes creatives need extra time to recharge their batteries and get out of a temporary funk.

In fact, taking a much-needed break can actually foster even more clarity and focus for new projects.  Here are a few ways to get your creative groove back:

1. If you have too many ideas and don’t know where to start, make a list of everything you want to do. Then choose one or two easy projects to start with that will help you slowly get going. A quick win can supercharge your motivation again!
2. If you’re feeling uninspired, scroll through Pinterest, visit a museum, or take a walk.  Seeing other people’s projects or the beauty of art or nature can inspire you in new ways.  (A trip to Hobby Lobby always gives me lots of ideas too!)
3. Take advantage of this downtime to plan ahead.  Outline future projects and the supplies you’ll need.  Research and plan upcoming markets to be a vendor at (or a shopper).  Write a tutorial or an ebook that you’ve been putting off.
4. Meet a friend for lunch who encourages and motivates you.
5. Take a creative class and learn a new skill.  (Painting, pottery, sign making, woodworking, reupholstery, etc.)
6. Eating healthy foods and working out can give you more energy.  
7. Set yourself up for the day by waking up, getting dressed, putting some makeup on, and acting like you’re going out even if you just work from home.  Sometimes you can trick your mind into feeling more motivated that way.
8. Set limits for social media and television.  You might want to binge watch Netflix or scroll Facebook for hours, but at the end of the day you’ll feel unfulfilled.  
   
9. If you really don’t feel like doing anything at all, try making a To Do list and write every single thing on it.  Wake up.  Make bed.  Drink coffee.  Get dressed.  The simple action of crossing things off your list can give you a mental boost to keep the momentum going.
10. Ask a friend over for an afternoon of crafting, or do some coloring pages or small projects with your kids.  It’s hard to be in a funk when you’re having fun with people you love.

What are your favorite ways to find your focus and be creative again? I’d love to hear your ideas!

-Jen