We’ve all been there: suddenly, the old muse just isn’t showing up as much as they used to. You’re in a rut and writing is starting to feel all-too-much like work. What–if anything–can you do about it?
Here are some of the many ways you can re-inspire yourself and get back in the mood to write:
Take a Walk. Writing is a sedentary profession. This is hard on the old body, whether you realize it or not. Your muscles need exercise–and exercise has been proven to enhance your mood and your brain. Get outside for just a few minutes. Just moving often stimulates the creative juices, and getting out in the fresh air and sunshine will do wonders for your brain. If you can’t get outside, try a few indoor exercises. Walk up and down the stairs or do some yoga or tai chi. Anything to get the blood pumping to your brain.
Do Something Else Creative. Give your imagination a little boost by changing gears for a bit. Try knitting or painting. Give cooking a shot. Just doing something creative will often give your mind the right idea and you’ll find yourself eager to get back to the manuscript.
Change Things Up. Try changing your routine and see if that helps. Often, you’re just in a rut and can shake things up by getting out of it. If you normally write in the morning, try writing late at night after everyone else is in bed. If you write on a laptop or computer, get paper and pen and go to it. If you write in your living room, try the library or a coffeeshop. Anything you can change may stimulate your creativity.
Check Out Other Artists. Yes, writing is an art–but so are many other creative crafts. Get out of the house and visit the local museum or art gallery. Check out a glassblower or blacksmith. Watch a play, concert, or dance. Find a movie in a genre you don’t usually watch. When you explore the works of another artist, your brain may be inspired to rethink your own work.
Remember Why You Write. Make yourself a mission statement and post it where you can see it every day. Why, exactly, are you writing? Who are you writing for? What do you hope to accomplish with your writing? Once you figure this out, your creativity might wake back up and remember why you got started in the first place.
Make It a Habit. You might not be able to fit writing into your schedule every single day. That’s OK so long as you work on your creativity every day. Don’t have a free hour? Think about that plot twist while you exercise. Read a research article while you wait for that take-out dinner. Doodle out a map for your setting in the doctor’s waiting room. Doing something creative every single day lets the muse know you’re taking things seriously and showing up for work every day. That way, when you need them, they’ll be more likely to show up and inspire you.
