The same factors that cause depression and laziness in the winter months can also lead to a drying up of creative impulses. When emotional, physical, or mental challenges are present, it is often difficult to generate any enthusiasm. That lack of enthusiasm makes it challenging to develop new thoughts and ideas. Here are some of the trials you might encounter and some ways you can alleviate the devastating effects of winter time on your creativity.
What is a Creative Block, and how might it manifest?
First of all, human beings are born with the ability to create. The main definition of this verb expresses the idea that a person can cause something to happen by their actions. By extension, the lack of movement forward can lead to stagnation in any and all areas of life. To put it gently, a creative block is a challenge that for the moment cannot be resolved.
There are several ways in which a creative block can manifest. A complete block would lead to mental paralysis and a lack of ability to come up with any new ideas. This situation could prove devastating for someone who earns their living by coming up with creative solutions to any kind of problem. The main thing to realize is that creative blocks can happen to ANYONE, not just writers and artists and actors. Every person deals creatively with day-to-day challenges as they arise; however, winter—and the usually cooler temperatures—can often lead to an inability to progress.
Determine what is causing the creative block. Some common causes of creative blocks are:
- Remaining indoors, confined to a small space for hours at a time
- Colder ambient temperatures making it uncomfortable or impossible to go outside
- Lack of sunlight and Vitamin D deficiency
- Depression
Taking back your creativity
One of the easiest ways to disrupt the stagnation of creative blocks is to take a break. The extreme stress on the brain of holding one particular thought in the forefront of the mind for an extended period of time could lead to mental exhaustion and the inability to see differences. When everything looks the same, it is difficult to come up with novel ideas.
There are several ways to ease that stress level and make it more manageable. One method is to meditate. Studies show that meditation lowers stress by changing the chemistry of the brain and alleviating depression, anxiety, and other causes of creative blocks. As an alternative, even 10 minutes of vigorous exercise will help to reduce high levels of cortisol coursing through the blood stream. To prevent burnout, listen to soothing or exciting music—anything that will inspire creativity. This, too, has been proven to reduce anxiety.
Living in a part of the world that does not allow for exposure of skin to the sun on a daily basis in order to allow the body to produce its own Vitamin D can cause serious deficiencies. A supplement is essential during the winter months for the wellbeing of most people living in the United States. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be a debilitating illness that will affect the ability to produce creative ideas and function during those colder, darker months.
In short, the removal of the causes of the blocks will often resolve the issue. Keep yourself on track all year round by taking supplements and remaining active. Your creativity will return when you make yourself a priority.
Sources for this article include
http://voice.unimelb.edu.au/volume-7/number-12/overcoming-creative-block
http://www.neiu.edu/~ourgift/Archives/SallyReis/CreativityandWomenarticle2.htm
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/create
http://www.naturalnews.com/023576_meditation_stress_brain.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/028727_exercise_anxiety.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/035632_music_sound_healing_medicine.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/004727_Dr_Michael_Holick_vitamin_D.html