31 Ways to Re-Inspire the Muse (Part Two)

THERE'S NOTHING worse than wanting to get things done, but feeling creatively dry. You're ready to write, but the words won't come. You sit down to paint, but your vision just doesn't flow. It happens to us all at some point or another.

That doesn't mean we have to accept it.

1. Make a one year plan -- Sometimes, it helps to have an idea of where you're heading. When you're making a long journey you take a map (or a Sat Nav). The same can be said for your life. Do you have any idea of where you're heading? Do you have a destination in mind, or are you simply cruising through life, stopping as you fancy? If you're feeling stuck or uninspired, it may be time to sit down and take a look at that map -- or make one! Setting physical goals not only provides you with a clear destination, it also helps you break down your journey into manageable pit stops, or smaller goals along the way.
2. Go out and socialise -- If you're an introvert, you've probably already skipped this one. But being around other people can be inspiring in itself. As a writer, I often find myself using my past experiences and interactions in my stories. Not in their initial raw form, but recycled snippets of interesting conversations, quirky mannerisms, contrasting personalities; all subconsciously stored for future use.
3. Enter a competition -- when you run out of ideas (heaven forbid!), having something to aim for can be exactly what you need to get those ideas flowing again. Competitions are great for this. You can find competitions tailored to specific crafts in specialist magazines, such as Writing Magazine. Searching online will also get you good results, allowing you to narrow down your requirements even further, for example, to flash fiction or short stories.
4. Be active -- it's easy to come home and veg out at the end of a busy day. But what about when you're not busy? There really is no excuse. But sometimes despite our best intentions we allow ourselves to fall into a rut and, because of this, bad habits. Being active encourages good habits to form and as a direct result, can also increase productivity. Try working your way down a daily check list, or forming an active morning routine.
5. Take a long hot shower/ bath -- not only does the hot water soothe and comfort, but there is something magical about the simple, repetitive action of washing that gives the muse a much needed jolt. Let your mind wander. Don't try to guide your thoughts, just be a spectator. Often, bursts of inspiration land on us when we stop trying to find them.
6. Allow yourself to daydream -- have you ever woken up from a dream mid-way through and refused to let it fade without an ending? During that transition from sleep fog to the land of the living, your brain is all fired up. Take an extra five minutes to enjoy a daydream before you get up and feed the cat. How would that dream have ended? If your mind wants to wander during that long, boring meeting, let it. You'll focus better after that quick mental reprieve anyway. 
7. Place your favourite quotes around the house -- having inspiring quotes scattered about your house will provide you with a little lift when you need it most. Different quotes will have different effects on your state of mind. For example, by propping a motivational quote on you bedroom mirror, it will be one of the first things you see at the start of the day and will give you that extra bounce in your step. 
8. Discover new places to create -- new places can often inspire new ideas and fresh ways of thinking.  When you're seeing the same four walls every time you sit down to work on a project, it's no surprise your muse feels uninspired. Shake things up a bit by switching locations.  Ever created in the garden before? How about your local park or library? 
9. Visit a coffee shop -- coffee shops are magical places that serve caffeine by the jugful and, more often than not, have a plug or two spare nearby. That's right, both you and your laptop have an unlimited supply of juice. Okay, so there may be a one small limit -- your wallet. But don't let that put you off taking a stroll down to your local coffee shop, picking a quiet corner and knuckling down on that awesome project you've been meaning to work on. The atmosphere is ideal for concentration and will inspire your muse.
10. Be spontaneous - it's normal to lean towards your normal daily routines. They're comfortable and familiar, which in turn gives you that little bit of extra confidence. Your muse, however, hates routine. It longs for the freedom to make crazy, last minute decisions. It's at its best when not boxed into the same tired old way of thinking and, like a young child, it just wants to have fun. 

Like this post? Catch up with part one here and look out for the final part next week.
Give me your thoughts in the comments below!