We’ve all had days where everything feels impossible and no matter what we do to resume being productive, nothing seems right. When you’re stumped creatively it can be super easy to fall into a hole of doubting yourself and your skills to the point of thinking you should give up. Here are some of my suggestions on what you should do when this feeling starts to creep in;
1.) Start A Project Just For Fun
No strings attached, start something new. Whether that’s a painting or a book or even a brand package for a company you’ve had your sights set on for a while, there’s so many ways to still find creativeness when there’s no pressure. Start that hobby you’ve been wanting to get into, make a moldboard for a possible trip to a city you want to visit. The ideas are endless and it gives you a way to pass the time and reconnect with the joy you feel for creating without it being for a work purpose.
2.) Get Out of The House
You heard me, go for a walk or sit in a park for an hour. The fresh air clears your head more than you can convince yourself it doesn’t. I’m sure there’s a cafe that you haven’t tried yet or a cute little place where you can window shop that a friend recommended.
3.) Talk to Someone Who Grounds You
Not in the way that you were grounded as a kid. Talk to someone who reconnects you to life and keeps you humble. For me, that’s always been my mom… for you it could be your closest friend or a distant relative. Catch up with someone for a minute and gain some human connection. There’s nothing like a little conversation to begin the restart of a day.
4.) Switch Up Your Routine
Instead of doing the same 5 things over and over again every single day (which can get boring and is probably the reason you ended up here in the first place) do something that you wouldn’t normally drop or that’s out of your everyday routine. Pamper yourself with an impromptu manicure or go to the library and pick out a good book. Anything that will make you feel a little less like a robot.
5.) Meditate
This might sound weird if you’re not an avid meditator (I’m not and I always get annoyed when people tell me this) but sometimes it can do you a little good to sit in silence for 10 minutes and just breath. The point of meditating is to rid your mind of any thoughts which can calm anxiety and overthinking. Bring some relaxation into your life and I guarantee you’re going to feel a lot better. If you can’t just meditate by yourself, there’s so many apps out there that you can try out for free that help guide you through the motions.
6.) Watch a Feel-Good Movie
There’s so many on paid and free streaming services to choose from. my favorite genre to watch when I’m feeling discouraged is Rom-Coms. There’s not too much negativity and most of the time there’s a happy and uplifting ending. Go out of your way to choose something you feel will make you laugh or even re-watch one of your favorites that makes you smile.
7.) Unplug for A Couple Of Hours
The internet can be so overwhelming and overstimulating sometimes especially on bad days. Although it may be your first instinct to scroll through TikTok or Instagram on your bad days, try to leave your phone somewhere away from you for a few hours. I’m sure it’ll make you feel more productive and less depressed when you’re not consumed in other people’s lives for a bit.
8.) Make Some Good Food
I always feel my worst when I’m hungry and sometimes I overwork myself so much that I forget to eat enough. Take a break and make yourself a meal or a really good snack. My favorites are apples with peanut butter or a nice big bowl of pasta. You’re most likely going to want to look for something that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.
9.) Plan Something For The Weekend
If you have something to look forward to at the end of the work week like meeting up with a friend for drinks or attending a concert at a dive bar, chances are you’ll have a new lease on life. It’s funny how work can feel never ending when all you have to do after it is sleep vs how fast the days roll by when you have something fun and exciting planned.
10.) Remember Your Goals
Chances are if you’re alive, you have some sort of goal that you’re actively working towards. This could be saving up to buy a car or getting a promotion. Either way, it’s good to remember that there’s a reason you’re doing what you’re doing and that at the end of the day you have a purpose no matter how big or small.