Scale the Wall: A Guide to Overcoming Creative Blocks
Hitting walls? Try these solutions and get back into the creative flow!
Picture this: you’re in the middle of a project. The proverbial “clock” ticks in the background as a deadline looms in your mind. You’ve already spent hours searching, but no solutions are in sight. The only tangible results are bloodshot eyes, jaw pain, and a tension headache. Even caffeine can’t clear the brain fog or boost your mood. So what can?
The good news? There is hope, and you’re not alone. Every person has experienced this phenomenon before. It’s called “hitting a wall.”
hitting a wall
idiom (also hit the wall)
to reach a point where you feel unable to continue doing something because it is very difficult1
The “wall” may rise during school, work, or creative pursuits. Although difficult, scaling it is entirely possible.
To get to the other side, we must explore the causes, effects, and solutions.
Causes & Effects
How do “walls” like creative blocks or burnouts arise?
There are many triggers, but stress and fatigue are the #1 culprits.
Success in any field requires focus, diligence, and innovation. It’s normal to have some early mornings or late nights, but firing on all cylinders 7 days a week is not sustainable. Plus, staring at screens all day will only exacerbate your problems.
Working for extended periods without the proper fuel (water, food, fun, or rest) eventually leads to burnout.
You know you’re approaching the “danger zone” when you ignore the outside world and obsess morning, noon, and night on your task list. An overwhelmed mind is not conducive to creativity.
Burnout has happened to me more times than I can count. I push and push until my body fights back. The symptoms range from eye twitching and brain fog to achy joints and stomach pains.
If you barely have the energy to meet your basic needs, you won’t have the stamina to create at high levels.
Solutions
Scaling the “walls” in your life is possible! All it takes is the right set of tools.
Breathe deeply. Do you ever hold your breath in anticipation or worry? Yep, me too. We all know cells require oxygen to function, but we take it for granted. Oxygen is essential for moving muscles, digesting food, and thinking. So, if you want more energy, step away from your desk and get some fresh air. Here are some breathing exercises that help!
Restore your body and mind. This looks different for everyone! Some people practice yoga or dance. Others swim or run marathons! While exercise is an important start to any day, eating well, drinking water, and taking vitamins are also crucial.
Venture outside. Sunshine and fresh air work wonders. Nature reminds us that our problems are small compared to the big, beautiful world around us.
Limit your caffeine intake. Before work, I always make a latte. It’s become a morning ritual. However, drinking more than a couple of coffees a day can make me feel even more jittery and anxious. This also applies to non-herbal teas and energy drinks. Limiting your caffeine intake may seem counterintuitive to some, but hear me out: if you can nourish your body with whole foods and exercise, your energy levels will naturally increase.
Spend time with loved ones. If your week is particularly slammed, phone a significant other, friend, sibling, or parent if you have a free window. It’ll divert your attention. Listening to others gives you a break from yourself. Exchange stories, ask questions, and make room for laughter. Sometimes, it’s the best medicine.
Embrace fun. Remember those hobbies you never seem to have time for? Well, find time! It could be 30 minutes or several hours. Play the guitar, bake the bread, read the book, sculpt the bowl, and fill your cup.
Learn something new. “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” No one knows who coined this phrase, but I find it illuminating. The quote encourages people to step beyond their comfort zones and try something new—something entirely unexpected! Surprise yourself and watch what unfolds. So you’ve always wanted to try a salsa class? GO. FOR. IT! Who knows who you’ll meet or how much you’ll thrive?
Start a brainstorming journal. If you want to stay productive but feel stuck, brainstorming is a happy medium. It simultaneously frees and stimulates your mind in the best possible way.
Reflect. If you’re feeling especially down, make a list of personal accomplishments. They can be big or small. You’ve been victorious before, so you can surely do it again.
Sleep. Rest is rejuvenating! When my week is chaotic and busy, I know I should prioritize an early slumber. It can be difficult to shut down my electronic devices (and brain), but I know it’s for the best. In fact, when I sleep for at least 8 hours, there is a marked increase in my performance. If you struggle with falling or staying asleep, it can be helpful to wind down an hour or two beforehand. Take a hot bath, drink some chamomile tea, draw… Reading is my favorite way to disconnect! Let me know what works for you in the comments!
What do all these solutions have in common? Taking a break.
I understand the need to constantly cross items off your to-do lists, progress, and keep climbing. You’re a dreamer and a doer. That’s a fantastic combination, but making room for creativity is vital.
Study, learn, work hard, persevere, and let go. You can’t force the right opportunities and answers. At a certain point, you have to trust that you’re doing your best. Doors will open when you least expect them to.
