Can we talk about the oh-so-dreaded creative rut for a moment? If I know one thing about blogging (been doing it for 5+ years), it’s that inspiration comes and goes. Often times, it hits out of nowhere so unexpectedly that you just can’t get your hands on the keyboard soon enough to start typing… And then there are times when no matter how long you stare at your computer screen, nothing comes to mind.
If recently you’ve been going through the latter, let me tell you – you’re not alone!ย In fact, I feel like I go through burnout periods at least once a month! I guess by now I know a thing or two about how to overcome it, so this is a perfect opportunity to share a few tips I learned along the way. ๐
Unplug/ Take Time off Social Media
Did you know that on average Americans check their phones 80 times a day?ย That’s about as much as six to seven times every hour! I’ll be honest, working in digital marketing and running my clients’ + my own social media accounts every single day is quite draining. That’s why I believe in devoting certain blocks of time to attending my accounts each day. Not to mention, taking regular breaks. Example? Just last weekend I went for a quick trip out of town and guess what, haven’t used my phone much! So liberating! Of course, I did capture meaningful moments but decided to share them later when I’m back home. This not only enabled me to be fully present in the moment, but it also allowed me to come back home with lots of new content sitting on my phone.
Talk to the people in the industry
If you’ve been blogging for a while or are present on social media every single day, chances are you developed a few (virtualย or not) friendships by now. Those are the kind of people who get exactly what you’re going through when stuck in yet another creative rut, so talk to them! I can’t tell you how many times I found comfort in knowing I’m not alone struggling with staying focused and inspired.
Listen to podcasts in your niche
Every time I get discouraged or simply lazy, I turn to my favorite podcasts for a boost of confidence. Trust me, listening to business-oriented people who like to share they knowledge and experiences will again make you feel like you’re not alone! Because just because they are running successful online businesses it doesn’t mean that they don’t go through a creative rut as well. More often than not, a podcast will serve as a kick in the butt and a friendly reminder that Rome wasn’t built in a night. Time to get back to work! ๐
My favorite podcasts
For a boost of confidence + industry insights: The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast + The Influencer Podcast by J. Solomon
Share old content
Set a small, attainable goal
Blogging is a 24/7 job and every day seems like there’s tons of things you should be doing. Sounds overwhelming, right? Well, let me tell you a story. It was year 2014 when I was setting up yet another blog thinking this time I’m going to be serious about creating content. Shortly after I screamed in panic because I realized that in order to have a well-designed website, I have to take care of so many things! Granted, I was the only one designing it so the task seemed quite overwhelming at the moment. But you know what my friend said back then that made all the difference? Take one thing at the time. By setting small goals each day/week/month, I realized I can do it all! It might take longer, but it will be so rewarding in the end.
Try new things
Try a new preset/ photo editing style (like I’m doing in this post – did you notice?) or take a trip to a completely new place. Awaken your curiosity to try new things and for the love of God, get out of your comfort zone! Amazing things happen when you do so. ๐
Don’t be so hard on yourself
We’re our own biggest critic, which sometimes can be good and bad… It’s good when you don’t want to settle until you provide the best of value to your readers/ viewers (aka post just to post). It’s bad when you’re never satisfied with what you put out. Either way, I say don’t EVER feel bad for taking breaks when you’re not in the right creative space. I promise you that once you’re ready, you’ll be back with content that’s better than before. Just sit back and relax when you need to. And eat that damn chocolate. ๐
I hope these few tips shared some insight into how I like to overcome a regular blogger burnout. For more tips on all things blogging, check out this section.
How do you get out of the creative rut?
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Thank you in advance for sharing the love!
Great tips, hun!! It’s so important to take a break and practice self love at least once a week <3
XO, Jessi
https://jmalay.com/holy-grail-hair-care/
Yes! At least once a week would be amazing! ๐ Thanks for stopping by, Jessi!
I love these tips because they are ones that I use. Blogging can get mundane and finding inspo can be hard sometimes.
http://www.mylittlenest.org
Yes! I guess it’s comforting to know I’m not the only one going through this!
This is excellent advice! Thanks for sharing Paulina.
When I’m in a creative rut, I choose a new creative outlet. So, if I’m experiencing writer’s block, I paint or sketch or color. If I’m feeling drained, sometimes I dance or sing. When I’m inspired again, I share on my blog and my posts reflect my restoration.
Happy Friday
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/thinkoutloud/la-camicetta-romantica
Thank you so much for sharing your tips! That’s a wonderful way to refocus and find inspiration again!
Lots of good tips! I love the way you look in these photos…. even though it’s a simple outfit you’ve made it really stand out!! Thanks for sharing Paulina ๐
Jessica || Cubicle Chic
http://www.mycubiclechic.com
Aw thank you! That’s a power of photography, I suppose! Or should I say, the editing. ๐
What a nice read dear, and I couldn’t agree more. There’s so much to learn from other people, and their ideas could spark an inspiration from you. And yes, there’s nothing wrong sharing your old content.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, Jessica! Have a great weekend. ๐
These are so good – and so true! Just coming out of a little rut and getting offline definitely helps! Xx
So glad to hear you find these tips helpful, Jennifer! And also so happy you’re back online, missed your posts!
Such great advise here! We all get to this point and it’s great to know that we are not alone x
Absolutely! We’re all in this together. ๐
Love this post and you babe! Those are all great tips.
When Iโm in a rut I go back to my journal where I jot down all inspirational quotes and all the good things about myself. Itโs a journal where no negativity has a place in it. Always puts a smile on my face when I re read it.
These are great tips!! I love the photos In this post too, I always love your photos!
Brooke
Pumpsandpushups.com
Great tips and love your jeans!
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
You are such a 90s babe here. And I love your tips about getting out a creative rut- it can definitely become a bit of a slag/grind, and you’ve gotta find ways to inject some liiiiiife into blogging!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Super post! dziฤki za wszyskie tips and tricks ๐
Thank you so much for the tips! Really helps (:
I love these ideas! It’s so important to step back and let yourself breath and restart!
xx Jen
http://lilthoughtswithjen.com/
When I feel uninspired I really switch off all social media, maybe except Pinterest. And I start looking around me. it’s wonderful how you can be inspired by what surrounds you xx
http://www.bonjourchiara.com
omg this post is SO necessary. I especially love the point on talking to others in the industry. It’s nice to know some relate but they also have all the advice on getting tf out of it and back in the swing of things! The last point is also dead on. It’s SO easy to be your own worst enemy when it all happens and more times than not, I find I’m farrrrr too hard on myself for the smallest things. Keeping this bookmarked when those pesky ruts happen!! Great post. xx Shannon || http://www.champagneatshannons.com