Sometimes it’s difficult to come up with new ideas to write about. When this happens, it could make you want to give up on the project you’re working on. You may even start to feel like you will never come up with anything good again. A creative slowdown, often called a writer’s block is no joke; it can be a very serious problem for those whose livelihoods rely on producing new content regularly.

How do you overcome this issue? The answer is much simpler than you may think. In this article, we will reveal a few expert tips on how to get your creative juices flowing again.

Listen To New Music

A major reason you may be struggling to come up with new ideas is that you’ve become too one dimensional in your approach to writing. You tend to resort to particular conventions that are common within particular genres. Now you have exhausted that particular sound its time for you to switch things up a bit.

Try rocking out to new tunes that you find around the web or on the radio, and be sure to explore genres that you don’t normally listen to. Ask a friend or colleague what’s on their current playlist and check these suggestions out. This might be the best occasion to bring out those old family records stashed away in the basement and take them for a spin. Hearing different music will fill your head with fresh ideas that you’ll want to try out during your next writing session.

Get Involved

A great way to discover a new creative self is through getting involved in the music community around you. Try attending a new open mic or music concert in town. Search for places near you or sites online where the local artists hang out and showcase their content. Participate in a networking event for musicians in your area. If there isn’t anything near you, consider hosting one of your own networking events. Surrounding yourself with a new atmosphere of healthy competition will fill you with new creativity and inspire you to pick up that pen and start writing again.

If the community around you is dead maybe a change of scenery is in order. It might be time for you to consider moving to a place with a more vibrant music scene—even if it’s just for the weekend.

Collaborate

They say that it takes a village to raise a child. In many cases, it will also take a village to make a hit record. Contact friends that you respect artistically and ask them if they would like to collaborate with you on your project. Ask a fellow writer for any feedback and suggestions they have for a piece you are having trouble finishing. Opening your mind and your space to peers is an excellent way to bring out a different side of you that you will have fun exploring.

Be careful with this point–there are a few reasons you should be critical in choosing who you will bring into the fold. Firstly, opinions can vary wildly, and if you involve too many different minds it may bring about confusion rather than progress and will slow things down even more. Secondly, some opinions are not relevant. Your buddy at the gym might consider himself to be an expert listener and a fan of your music, but unless he has experience putting together a record he doesn’t need to have a say in the process. You should consult people that have a fair amount of experience in the particular genre that you work in since they should have a credible view as to what direction you should take with your writing. You should also make sure the people you are consulting have your best interests at heart. Oftentimes writers may be offering their criticism from a place of ego or competitiveness rather than wanting to help you along. Pick a select group of like-minded and experienced writers who enjoy the competitive spirit and are willing to support you throughout your career.

Change The Subject

Award-winning songstress Adele hasn’t been shy to admit that she has suffered from writer’s block on a few occasions in her career. In an interview with TODAY,  the superstar spoke about her struggle to come up with new material for her latest studio album 25.

“I found it impossible for a while,” She stated. “I didn’t know what I wanted to write about”. What was the issue? In her case, she said it was the fact she “wasn’t sad”. Up until that point in her career, the central theme of her writing was about heartbreak and sadness. Yet, she had come to a point in her life where she was very happy and felt that it wouldn’t be genuine to talk about that topic anymore. Her solution was to break out of her creative mold by trying to write about different subjects. That is exactly what she did when penning the hit single Hello. “‘Hello’ is just about reconnecting with everyone else and myself […] It was just, you know, it’s in general, just hello to everyone.” The singer explains. Definitely, a great piece of advice that every writer can learn from.

If you are having difficulties coming up with new subjects to discuss, try learning a new subject, picking up a new hobby or reading a novel–these are all effective ways to fill your mind with new things you can discuss on your next project.

Take Care Of Yourself

Stress, sleep deprivation, and even poor diet can greatly hinder your ability to stay focused and think clearly while you’re writing. The brain is an organ that needs to be taken good care of, and it’s crucial that you do so in order for your mind to be utilized to its full capacity. Take a break from your craft to focus on improving your health. If you are having trouble sleeping, it’s important that you work toward finding ways you can sleep better at night. Be sure to fuel the body with brain foods that will maintain a healthy mind (Web MD has a great article you can read on the topic). After you have rested and healed, you should be ready to get back in the game and make new material.