Maintaining creativity & beating writer's block

Creativity is essential for all writers, but writer's block can be a formidable challenge. Here are some strategies to maintain creativity and overcome writer's block.

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1. Find inspiring places

• Seek out environments that inspire you, even if they're not Instagram-worthy destinations
• Places that serve great food, feature captivating visuals, or resonate with your interests can be creatively stimulating. Places with comfortable seating get a +1!
  

2. Don't fight writer's block

• Instead of battling writer's block, embrace it—yes, it's possible
• Take breaks, engage in household tasks, go for a walk, or work out
• Allow your mind and body to shift away from writing completely to refresh your creativity and come back ready to work
  

3. Mix up your setting

• Change your writing environment to break associations with creative stagnation
• Simple changes like moving from your desk to the kitchen table or switching locations within your home can have a positive impact on your psychology
  

4. Never stop reading

• Keep a book in progress at all times, even if it's from a different genre to what you write (in fact, better if it is!)
  
• Read emails, social media posts, blogs, and books like a reader—not a writer!
  
• Reading enhances your writing skills and can inspire your current and future projects
  

5. Springboard ideas

• Share your ideas with colleagues or friends for feedback and fresh perspectives
• Collaboration and discussion can spark new creative directions and get you out of being stuck
  

6. Build playlists

• Create playlists of music that your mind associates with creativity
• Opt for instrumental tracks or songs with unintelligible lyrics to avoid distractions
• Ensure a seamless flow of music to maintain your writing flow. On Spotify, set up your music playback so there's no break between songs.
  

7. Find other creative outlets

• Explore hobbies and activities unrelated to writing—inspiration can come from anywhere
• Engaging in diverse creative pursuits can rejuvenate your creativity and alleviate writer's block

Adding these techniques into your writing routine, and beyond, can nurture your creativity and help you overcome writer's block more effectively. Remember that creativity is a dynamic process, and experimenting with various strategies can help you discover what works best for you.

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