Every creative has been there: sitting in front of a blank page or screen, feeling uninspired and maybe a bit overwhelmed. But sometimes, what seems like a simple creative block could actually be a sign of burnout, and each has very different solutions.
Creative block is often a temporary lull in inspiration. It’s when your ideas feel stale, and no matter how hard you try, nothing seems to “click.” To tackle this, switch things up. Take a short break, go for a walk, or try working in a new environment. Experimenting with different artistic mediums can also spark ideas. Sometimes, creative blocks are just your mind’s way of saying it needs fresh input.
Burnout, however, is more serious. This goes beyond a simple lack of inspiration—burnout is a physical and mental exhaustion that leaves you unable to function at your best, regardless of environment. This isn’t something you can fix with a simple walk. Burnout requires rest, both physically and mentally. Try scheduling time off or, if you’re self-employed, reduce your workload temporarily. Look into hobbies or even just catch up on sleep.
If all else fails, stare at the screen long enough, and you’ll eventually get the inspiration to leave it alone.
