Sometimes creativity doesn’t come naturally, but it can be exercised and improved. And now, while our physical environments continue to change and challenge us, we have to work a little bit harder to avoid falling into a rut.

It takes patience, practice, and persistence to overcome mental blocks and break the non-changing patterns that inevitably form. Here’s a few tips to help you get off the hamster wheel.

Don’t Force It

Sometimes you have to know when to walk away – don’t try to force a feeling or an idea when it’s not ready. Most of us have a little more time on our hands right now and could benefit from using it as an opportunity to practice more patience. It’s okay to take a breather and wait until the right vibes return.

Meditate and Exercise

While you’re taking a break from your latest project, passion, or hobby, consider investing a few minutes into meditation or exercise. While the health benefits of doing both are obvious, you might be surprised to find out just how quickly physical activity can get your creative juices flowing.

Meditation is my go-to practice when I want to channel my energy, sharpen my awareness, and get my mind focused.

Don’t Stop Learning

It would be super convenient if all of our best ideas, products, and decisions came to us at exactly the right moment – but that’s not the reality of how creativity works. Push yourself to broaden your horizons by learning something new each day. Sticking only to what you know is an easy way to put a lid on your full potential, because when what you know isn’t working, you’re left feeling frustrated and unfulfilled.

You never know when inspiration will strike and that “aha” moment will arrive. Take an online class – whether it’s decorating, yoga, or even something totally out-of-the-box – and embrace the feeling you get when you step outside of your comfort zone.

Simply put, creativity is the best antidote to feeling stuck. The next time you’re not getting the results you hoped for, take a few minutes to get quiet and listen to that voice inside of you. Know when to walk away, give yourself permission to take the space you need, and never be afraid to try something new – that’s when the magic happens.