In desperate need of inspo? Here are five top tips to get those creative juices flowing

New and exciting ideas are hard to come by, especially when you can't seem to find any inspiration. When forcing it doesn't work, try these simple slices of advice, and it may well get the ball rolling

Racking your brain for the next best thing since sliced bread can be a trial, feat and tribulation. While pubs, bars and cafe's may be opening up, normal life is nowhere near normal and finding inspiration from the confines of your one-bed is not easy, but there are a few things you can do to spark your creativity.

First things first, do not beat yourself up. The dreaded block is a classic sign that you're in dire need of a break, a chat or a socially distanced pint. So, if you're struggling of ways to help you get out of the funk, keeping on scrolling for five fruitful tips on how to take back control and fill your brain with colour, banishing any case of the blahs.

1. Get out... of your house.

Go for a stroll, a walk, a cycle, just get your body moving. If you are anything like yours truly then you are, most of the time, permanently glued to whichever Apple device has you in its clutches. By staying inside staring at the same screen, waiting in earnest for an idea to miraculously appear, your anxiety levels will inevitably increase.

An article by heart.org says, "Changing the scenery is a great way to get the creative juices flowing, and nature offers stimuli that you won’t find while staring at a screen." It added that one study showed how spending four days in nature improved problem-solving skills by 50%.

2. Get active: If in doubt, dance it out

Try out some yoga, pilates, weights or running (if you're so inclined)! Exercise is known to reduce stress by releasing endorphins, and even if you really don't want to do it, doing it will biologically make you happier. According to SELF, "Completing a tough workout, especially when you'd much rather stay in bed, can give you a serious confidence boost."

If in doubt, dance it out. This exercise doesn't simply tone your body, but your mind also. An added bonus is it's fun, and brings you great joy meanwhile sharpening the mind (and a booty that won't quit).

3. Dip into some arts and culture

You can get inspiration from anything, so why not make it something entertaining? Watch your favourite film or carry on reading that book you simply can't put down. You never know, those literary and silver-screen protagonists may strike a chord you may never have discovered.

4. Talk to someone

This is a simple, yet effective technique of getting those creative juices flowing. By talking to someone, anyone who isn't privy to the inner workings of your brain, you may get a cracking idea just by having an alternative perspective.

You never know, that chilled out conversation with your bestie may turn into your greatest project yet.

5. Give yourself a break and focus on you

Forcing something is always going to end badly. With added pressure on yourself to try and get the perfect, most amazing idea out in the world, it can be a real downer. By taking some time for yourself, you're giving your mind a chance to breath.

Whether it be waking up half an hour earlier so you can enjoy that morning brew, or going for a coffee with a friend mid-morning or having a self-care hour, afternoon or even day, having a real break will do you wonders.

Very Well Mind states that have 'me-time' and taking a rest can lead to a reduction in stress, an increase productivity and clearer thinking.

Now doesn't that sound great?

So just remember to be kind to yourself. You're in a global pandemic, inspiration may not always be flowing so when it isn't, that's completely okay.

Just acknowledge it and if you're in desperate need or maybe even tight on a deadline, give one of these tricks a try, you may never look back!