As a musician, you’ve probably always had a knack for creativity. It runs through your veins! However, musicians aren’t immune to creative blocks or burnout – especially when you’ve been at it for a long time.
Unfortunately, if you’re feeling stuck when it comes to songwriting, you might also start to feel overwhelmed or even worried that you won’t “get your groove back” (no, not in that way!).
Thankfully, there are things you can do to spark songwriting creativity that go a bit off the beaten path. When you reignite that spark, you can also reignite your enthusiasm and passion for your work.
So, don’t feel like you’re stuck in a songwriting rut or that your heart for music isn’t still there. By taking some time away from songwriting to explore different passions and try new things, you can end up feeling more inspired than ever.
Still need a few ideas or some motivation to step away? We’ve got you covered.
It’s not uncommon for musicians to do a lot of traveling, especially if you frequently tour. It can be a great way to see different parts of the country or world, experience new cultures, and meet new people. However, it’s still work. Traveling on tour is much different than getting away for your well-being.
Traveling for personal enrichment can boost your mental health in more ways than one. Some of the greatest benefits include:
If you choose to travel alone, you can also find inspiration almost everywhere you look. Look up the local history of your destination, and do your research on the best places to eat and attractions that are off the beaten path. Interact with locals and learn more about the things they enjoy doing. By opening yourself up to new cultures and experiences, you’re more likely to step out of your mental rut, feel more relaxed, and even find the motivation to create again.
There’s no denying the physical health benefits of exercise. Whether you’re looking to shed a few pounds or build up your stamina, it’s a great way to get in shape. However, it’s also great for your mental health and can help to clear your mind, boost your energy, and fight back against creative burnout.
The important thing is to find a physical activity you enjoy. Take a dance class, go swimming, start biking, or play a sport.
Exercises like yoga can be even more beneficial when it comes to sparking creativity. Yoga helps to improve flexibility and can be a great way to burn calories. However, it also helps to clear your mind and keep you focused on the present. You can use many techniques from yoga – including deep breathing – to fight back against stress and keep yourself focused on whatever you’re working on.
You don’t have to hit the gym every day to reap the rewards of physical activity. However, including some type of exercise in your daily routine can improve your overall health and may even end up making you a better songwriter.
Chances are, your natural creativity isn’t the issue. If you’re an artistic individual, that doesn’t just disappear overnight. Finding other unique ways to channel your creativity could be exactly what you need to circle back to songwriting.
If you’ve always been a natural writer, consider taking up journaling. It’s a fantastic way to organize your thoughts and express your feelings without the pressure of turning them into lyrics. If you want to try something completely different or stretch your artistic abilities, consider taking a digital design class using tools like Photoshop or Illustrator. Not only will it tap into your creative brain, but you might be able to use some of your skills to create a new logo for your band or to come up with merch design.
Other easy ways to stretch your creative muscle include:
Don’t be afraid to try different things – that can be half the fun! If you’ve ever been interested in a certain type of art or performance style, now is the time to give it a try. You never know what new hobby you might find in the process.
Songwriting will always be a creative process. However, when it starts to feel like work or you feel pressure to get things done, it can cause a lot of extra stress.
Stepping away for a while, moving your body, and exploring other creative options can all help to reignite your songwriting spark and get you back in the studio with a newfound drive and passion. Make sure to give yourself some time and space, and take away as much pressure as possible. Use some of these unique ideas to find your way back into songwriting, but only when you’re completely ready.