Earlier in the week I discussed how exploring the city helps me reset my creative mind. But what about the moments when you are in the middle of a job, in the middle of a task, in the middle of the creative process, and there is no time to drop everything, get in the car, and drive downtown to explore? You are in the middle of a crunch. The work needs to get done. There is no space for an afternoon adventure.

So what do I do to help reset my creative mind in those moments? I go on a walk.

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Sometimes it is just around the neighborhood. Other times I will head toward a nearby park. It is quick, accessible, and exactly what I need.

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Sometimes the walk has music. I will put on my headphones and play whatever I am drawn to in that moment. It might not be related to the project at all, and that is the point. The music shifts my focus, letting my mind wander somewhere else. Even just a few minutes of this can loosen up whatever felt locked in place.

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Other times, I keep the headphones in my pocket. I take a few deep breaths and let the air and the environment do their work. I am not looking for inspiration during these walks. I am simply giving my brain a break from the cycle it has been in. Without the weight of trying to solve something, my thoughts start to reorganize themselves.

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As I walk, there is a subtle change. My shoulders relax. My thoughts begin to line up in a way that makes sense. Often I return with a clearer sense of what to try next. I drink some water, sit back down, and usually find that I am ready to keep going.

It is simple, but it has never failed me.

 

If you have been stuck lately, maybe try it. Step outside, walk for a bit, and see what happens.