Moments of genuine inspiration, like good relationships, sales, and hair days, are fleeting and cannot be forced. So when you do find them, you have to take advantage of them and enjoy them as much as you can.
2 out of these 4 elusive things are significantly harder for me to find… and inspiration is an “easy” one.
Surprisingly, I saw a couple posts on Instagram today from bloggers asking for advice on how to kick-start their own inspiration. It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut and feel lost in your work/blog/whatever it is. I wish I could just tell everyone how incredible they are!
I’ve been struggling with lack of inspiration the past week, too! I’m no expert, but I’ve found a couple methods that you can use to re-inspire yourself, and get back on track to creativity!
- Get outside. This is so important, and ridiculously simple. It’s basic science, nature is just plain good for you. Seriously, read about it here! (But remember this, too.) #1 & 2 go hand-in-hand, but it’s as simple as going for a short walk or run, or just finding a quiet place to sit to feel the sunshine and breathe the fresh air. Bonus points if you find a place outside to do your work while you ride the wave of inspo 😉 .
- Get moving. Get your body, hands, and brain moving, or all of the above! Go for a walk, workout, do some dishes, cook a meal, do something. Doing something productive separate from your creative/work area can help jumpstart your brain back into work-mode without even trying! Work on something you can control. I always feel extra productive after working out, doing all my laundry, or making a meal or good snack! Cleaning around the house or taking a shower is good way to start fresh, literally.
- Turn it off. This is a no-brainer (no pun intended), but getting your focus away from your devices is beneficial when trying to get back to work, not to mention the benefit of removing yourself from the leaching comparison that can happen there! We often turn to TV/social media to “relax”, but there are better ways to help reset your mind. If constant use of devices is a problem of yours, refer to #1& 2! Work on finding ways to occupy your time besides opening your phone or turning on the TV.
- Turn it up. This is the exception to the previous tip. Turning on some relaxing or Christian worship music is my fool proof, tried-and-true pick-me-up. It helps me relax, calm down, and refocus my attention on what truly matters. In the last few months, I’ve found myself playing my Christian playlists over and over for so many different reasons. It helps me stay focused while writing posts, too! I highly recommend finding a playlist that makes you feel good and work better.
click here or click the photo go see my playlist! - Look inward. What’s the problem? What’s keeping you from getting inspired? Stress? Overwhelmed? Too much to do? Figure out the root of the problem. Even if it’s something you can’t immediately fix, identifying the cause of your mental block is help by itself. Figure out what makes you happy, and do more of that (potential post of this specifically coming soon). For me, that means more sunsets, puppies, ice cream, and shopping 🙂.
- Look outward. Sometimes it helps to look at others that are doing what you’re trying to do. If you’re a blogger, read other blogs. If you’re a writer, read. If you’re a preacher, listen instead. Make sense? You don’t have to do it all alone. Look around and be inspired by the people and resources that can help you get back on your game.
- Give it time. Like I said in the beginning of this post, inspiration can’t be forced, as much as we’d like it to be on-demand! If you’re having trouble finding your passion and joy, your body probably needs time to rest and recuperate. Self-love and care are so important. Take care of your body, and your brain will thank you for it!
- Pray about it. Don’t just pray “when all else fails”. Pray when all doesn’t fail. Pray when all succeeds. Pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). Ask God for help. Tell him what’s up, and always remember to thank him for all the amazing things that are going right, even when all seems wrong. You have so much to be thankful for.
I hope you enjoyed this tips, and I help you find your inspiration again! Don’t lose hope. Keep spreading your love and light, and it’ll come back around to you.
*all photos in this post are mine*
June 3, 2017
Inspiration can be hard sometimes. this month I planned everything i’m going to write. I didn’t want last month to repeat itself.
June 4, 2017
That’s awesome though! Planning is a good way to stay ahead. Hope it works for you!
June 4, 2017
I love your playlist! It’s really nice to know we’re not alone in suffering from lack of inspiration. Great list! Will definitely be back to use as reference sooner than I would like to admit! Love this so much!
June 4, 2017
So happy you enjoyed and relate. Hope it helps!
June 4, 2017
This post came right on time. I’m struggling to come up with content for the coming week. Thank you for the reminders; they are all so true!
June 5, 2017
I hope the inspiration finds it’s way back to you! Blessings!
June 4, 2017
Super well said, Kristen! Love everything you listed, especially the complete accuracy of number one. I always feel better when I’m just outside enjoying the beauty of nature. It’s so refreshing. We are taking our youth group to Yosemite for camp this year again and I’m so excited. It’s a great way to just reevaluate and feel better. Awesome job (as always).
June 5, 2017
That’ll be amazing to go there with the camp! I totally agree, getting outside is a great way to refresh. Thanks girl!
June 5, 2017
I agree with everything you said! Especially the idea of unplugging. This is really great!
June 5, 2017
Thanks girl!
June 5, 2017
Great tips, I know I constantly need inspiration! It’s especially hard sometimes to step away, and I think you’re spot on, sometimes you need to take a step back. And LOVE the take a shower suggestion! That helps me tremendously, too! Your pictures are so cute!
June 5, 2017
Thanks so much, Jillian! I’m glad you can relate 🙂
June 6, 2017
An editorial calendar has helped me greatly when it comes to my blog, as well as writing less. I still write consistently, just not as often. My content has become much better quality since I started writing a little less. Last month, I didn’t do an editorial calendar and I was definitely reminded why I do one. Great ideas for re-inspiration!
June 6, 2017
A calendar like that is a great idea! I think it would help me to stay more consistent. I agree about writing less. Less is more! I’m always confused about people who post daily or more than one daily, I think it’s too much and overwhelming for readers. Thanks for the advice!
June 6, 2017
You know, I’ve always thought that if you aren’t feeling inspiration in one area, your creativity is probably just invested in other areas, which isn’t a bad thing. I think we can only handle so much inspiration at one time!
June 6, 2017
I’ve never thought of it that way, but I think you’re totally right! It’s definitely important to keep that in mind. Great insight!
June 12, 2017
I love this post Kristen! Definitely got me to rethink how i’m living day to day
June 13, 2017
Thanks so much, Jojo!!
June 14, 2017
I love the idea of unplugging! This is something I know I have struggled with a lot personally, but am trying to focus on other things besides social media/my phone to relax. Great post, and you have a wonderful blog!! Keep up this amazing work!!
June 14, 2017
Thank you so much friend!! 🙂 blessings!
June 15, 2017
Such great tips, and ones I really could use rn lol! Thanks a lot for sharing 🙂
June 15, 2017
You’re so welcome!
June 16, 2017
[…] than expected. I’ve been feeling kind of stuck and just not like my usual self recently, but I’m working on it, and organizing what I want to get done has helped a lot this […]
June 17, 2017
SO many good songs on that playlist.
July 11, 2017
Great advice! We love it! <3 your heart for God is so evident in your work!
July 11, 2017
Thanks so much Abbie!
July 29, 2017
Unplugging is so important. I even find it helpful to simply close my technology for an hour to give myself a break. I really enjoyed this post!
July 30, 2017
That’s such a great idea! thanks for reading 🙂