How to Break a Creative Rut: Tips from Chris & Jen in the Morning
Ever felt stuck staring at a blank page or looping through the same ideas with no progress? You’re not alone. In this episode of Chris & Jen in the Morning, Chris and Jen dive into how to break a creative rut—why it happens, how to spot the signs, and most importantly, practical tips to get unstuck creatively.
Chris & Jen
9/17/20251 min read
What Is a Creative Rut and Why Does It Happen?
A creative rut isn’t just for artists or writers—it can hit anyone. As Chris explains, it’s that feeling when ideas stop flowing and nothing seems to click. Jen adds that it can feel like “thinking in circles,” stuck inside a mental box with no way out.
Signs You’re Stuck in a Creative Block
Jen notices it when work stops feeling fun, focus slips, or frustration builds. For Chris, it’s when he keeps going down the same mental path without new ideas. If this sounds familiar, you might be experiencing creative burnout or mental overload.
Common Causes of Creative Burnout
Chris and Jen explored several factors that kill creative flow:
Perfectionism – Wanting flawless results can stifle experimentation.
Mental Fatigue – The brain processes up to 50,000 thoughts a day. It needs downtime!
Stress and Pressure – Too much stress pushes you into fear-based thinking.
Too Much Routine – When every day looks the same, there’s nothing new to spark inspiration.
The Science Behind Creativity: Why Your Brain Needs White Space
Jen shared neuroscience insights, explaining how creativity thrives when your brain has mental space.
The default mode network activates when you daydream or do simple tasks, leading to “aha!” moments.
Lack of sleep, hydration, oxygen, and healthy fats can limit creative thinking.
Creativity often peaks in the morning or after breaks when your brain is refreshed.
Practical Tips to Get Out of a Creative Rut
Chris and Jen shared several ways to spark inspiration when you’re stuck:
Take a Break – Sometimes stepping away brings fresh perspective.
Get Moving – Walk, stretch, or change your environment to reset your brain.
Try Something New – Museums, music, or hobbies can introduce novelty.
Collaborate – Brainstorming with others often unlocks new ideas.
Break Big Problems into Smaller Tasks – Avoid overwhelm by tackling one piece at a time.
Consume Inspiring Content – Books, podcasts, or shows can spark creativity.
Finding Creative Flow: Go Easy on Yourself
Creativity ebbs and flows. Chris and Jen reminded listeners to be kind to themselves, recognize when pressure is killing creativity, and create space for rest and inspiration.
Listen to the full podcast episode here: YouTube – Spotify – Apple Music