Creative blocks and how to bust through them

This past week has been interesting. Not really because I changed my routine or landed a new client or anything really exciting, but I had trouble adhering to my day to day routine. I felt unmotivated and while I did a little bit of work, it was nice to feel like I could step away from my desk if I wasn't feeling creative.

While yes, it's important to be able to bill clients and do the work I'm hired to do, it is just as important to step away and get clarity if you've reached a block in your process. This is called self care and is just as important when working for yourself as it is if you are working for someone else.

Slowly, but surely I'm breaking through my block and will be back to normal soon.

(I love my clients and want to create amazing things for them!)

What is the best way to get through a block that isn't a complete upheaval of routine though. I have a few ways of getting through that sort of thing.

One is cleaning. My house is continually in a state of flux, so it's good to sort through items and get rid of things that no longer bring me joy.

Another is video games. This one can be tough because it is a major time suck for me. I can plop myself down for hours and allow the time to just fade away. Generally I will do this if I can't really think of doing anything else or if I'm feeling especially lethargic.

Working out. This one is most optimal and the one I do rarely. The onset of very warm weather doesn't help with this either. I did at one point try to get to the gym later at night, which helped with sleep and motivation to work the next day. 

Pinterest & Instagram. These can build on inspiration. Pin things to a album so you can refer to it later. Especially design or motivation related pins.

Calling upon friends to chat. I've had the opportunity to do this a few times this past week and it has certainly been refreshing and helpful to hear that this does happen to others and important to try to work through it.

Refreshing the LinkedIn profile. Updating the information and uploading projects that would be good to showcase.

Assigning one day for admin/learning. Lately my one day of admin time for billing and invoicing has taken up the bulk of my Monday learning days. Fortunately, signing up for a subscription service to assist with my admin/overhead work may serve to minimize this and I will be able to get my learning day/afternoons back.

Listening to a different playlist on Spotify or iTunes. I have 2 playlists I would switch between them. Adding different ones to listen to can help.

Things to definitely avoid during a block...
Facebook, it can be a major time suck. Though it can be good to network with friends and keep them updated on goings on.

Reddit, some subreddits may be helpful for motivation, but most are pretty distracting.

Local/National/World news sites. It can potentially make one feel small and insignificant, and not very motivational to progress oneself. Especially in light of what is happening nationwide or worldwide (if not citywide and community-wide.)

Some really cool articles tackle this very problem and offer some solutions as well:
http://99u.com/articles/7088/7-types-of-creative-block-and-what-to-do-about-them

and

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/creating-in-flow/201209/10-creative-block-breakers-actually-work