Hi guys, it has been three months since I have posted anything, but there is a major reason behind it, which I think many of you experience but are unsure what to do about it. So today, in this blog I am going to discuss an issue, which affects all the creative ideas- creative block.
A creative block is a phase in life, where individuals fail to respond to their creative urge, mainly owing to the decreased level of ideas in their minds. For a writer like me, it is called writer’s block. It’s a phase during which I keep on looking at an empty sheet, with an equally empty mind. There are no ideas, just emptiness.
According to GoodTherapy, people who are into creative professions, such as artists, performers, musicians, and writers- get affected by creative blocks, and this can last for days, weeks, months, or sometimes even years. This is a very traumatizing phase for every creator because we all thrive to create something that we love, but the brain does not generate any idea. It feels the same as people feel when they are trying to remember a song with a mere tune stuck in their head all day.
The cause behind creative block-
The main cause behind the initiation of this phase is the fear of being imperfect or the fear of being unable to deliver the work as demanded. We as creators create things that we love, however, the significance of that creation directly or indirectly depends on what others are saying about it. History as a witness, we have seen several unappreciated artists choosing death as their last option to run away from the fear that they will never be worthy enough for anything in this world. Take, for example, Vincent Van Gogh, and Sylvia Plath.
I have been feeling so unworthy for the last few months, and while it started as an emotional issue now it is taking a turn physically. I am getting lesser and lesser sleep and am always in a bad mood. Because I am doing everything to bring back my ideas, but I am failing to do so.
Symptoms of creative block-
Creative block is a mental health issue and just like other issues, this too has several symptoms.
Too much thinking related to idea generation.
Staring blankly towards the creative tools and not knowing what to start.
Being overemotional, followed by immense anxiety and panic.
Being irritated all the time.
No more attending to the routines you have set for yourself.
Taking a lot of time in deciding what to do when.
Results of creative block-
Creative blocks can be a turmoil for every creator. For me, it has worsened my panic and anxiety issues. Some other life-altering results that happen due to creative blocks are,
Not finding joy even in the normal everyday things. I have observed that I have stopped doing several things that I used to do daily, such as watering my plants. Because of this the plants that I have planted with so much love and care almost died.
Creative block can also affect the main works of several individuals, who have chosen creativity as a hobby and not a profession. As for me, I have my regular 9-5 job which is getting affected, because not being able to do the things that I love is making me exhausted and is leaving me with no will to do my professional work.
The most alarming thing that creative block can lead to is depression. For individuals who are already suffering from depression, like me, every day becomes heavier and heavier, until I can't take it anymore. Then it leads to either burst out or totally going into my shell, avoiding the world outside.
Ways to fix creative block-
There are several ways to fix these issues, and while these ways may work for some people, for some they may not.
Take a walk. Walking clears up the mind and helps you to think.
Take a break. But don’t just sit at home, go somewhere, go for a short weekend trip or even a one-night trip. The change of environment is sometimes all that we need.
Read a book. A book is the best way of channeling ideas in the mind, and it will help you to take some off-screen time.
Cut yourself off social media for a few days. Social media without any doubt creates a significant impact on our lives. I used to see my fellow writers writing such beautiful stories and blogs and always used to compare myself with them, thinking about what was wrong with me and why I am not being able to do these things. However, through the hard way I have learned that everybody has gone through or going through this phase at least once in their life, and comparing myself with others will just worsen the situation more.
Just start something, anything. If you have no ideas to write, then just open a blank document and start writing whatever comes to your mind, if it's blank just write “blank”, this is your way of sending signals to the brain, that “enough is enough, even if you don’t let me do what I want to do, I will do it anyway.” (This is how this blog was generated.)
Self-care things such as mediation, yoga, exercise and even going to a spa can relax the stressed mind and body. Adequate sleep is also very needed.
Don’t be hard on yourself. Sometimes, fixing a creative block can lead to self-doubt regarding the “abnormality” of the situation. But you need to understand that there is nothing abnormal about it, we all go through it, and you are not alone.
Creative blocks are tough but it's not impossible to treat them, what you need is just a dollop of patience and a spoonful of self-belief, and you will be able to cook something that will not only bring joy to you but also to others.
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