With the constant information overload our eyes and minds are exposed to each day, it’s somewhat surprising that one could ever suffer from a dreaded “Creative’s Block”. But it happens. So, we asked our creative team for some handy tips to reset, recharge and get those creative juices flowing again.

Here’s what they had to say…

• Fresh Air: Our body reacts quickly to fresh air, it revitalises and energises, especially in cold weather when offices and homes are more inclined to be stuffy with latent, unnatural heat. A brisk 20min walk around your block or through a local park surrounded by nature is good for the soul but also the mind. Cooling off to heat up again is a tonic for your brain. Think hot-cold therapy that most athletes put themselves through after a tough training session, cold air works the same for your creativity.

• Get Off The Grid: Okay that’s probably sounds a little extreme, but what we mean here is disconnect. Put the headphones in your pocket, aim for total silence, get away from a screen. If yoga or meditation is not your thing; pick up a simple pencil and paper, and write/draw/scribble away to your heart’s content. And while your focus might be to write linear thoughts and questions, allow yourself to stray – drawing and writing the first words that come to mind – however strange they may seem. There’s gold in them there hills.

• Stop, Collaborate & Listen: Bounce ideas of a friend, family member, colleague or out into the big bad social media world. They might not have the answer but they might be asking the right questions. Talk to the target audience of the challenge, it will confirm or cancel your own bias. Attend conferences when you can. Join groups of people whose work you admire. Brainstorms in the office sense are only useful if everyone has read the brief and comes somewhat prepared.

• Exercise: Yep, we’re going there. You don’t need to be tank-topped and “slinging lead in your chapel of swole-y matrimony” (that’s the gym for all you uninitated), but breaking a sweat or simply raising your heart-rate has huge benefits for your brain activity and creativity. Kick a  ball, run, walk, stretch, dance, fight, whatever, just get active. We’re all about those endorphins… and “mad gainz”… but mostly the endorphins, ahem, clearly.

• Face It: A wise man once said “if you need to sell a washing machine, pull up a chair and sit in front of one for a few hours”. While we in marketing often work remotely for brands/products/services nothing beats personal experience. Get it in front of you, notice every minute detail.

• Sound Out: It’s proven that music alters mood, enhances memory and recollection, and helps release endorphins/adrenalin into your system. Classical music is often linked to creativity because of the meandering tempos, crescendos and orchestral combinations. Stick on your Ludovico Einaudi, Hans Zimmer or Colm Mac Con Iomaire Spotify playlist there and watch the clouds lift. Or you could always blast “Born Slippy” out through the office speakers at full volume for a 17minute rave – whatever floats your boat.

A quick Google search can connect you to infinite case studies and examples where those previously facing the same challenge, brief or product launch have come up with different versions of an answer. Is there such a thing as an original idea? We think there is, but you’ve got to find your own route there and sometimes the landscape is shrouded in a grey, uninspiring haze. Let us know your tips and tricks to keep the creative juices flowing.

-          GC