If you’ve ever had to be creative for work or been asked to be creative on-demand, thrn you know how frustrating it can  be when – despite your best efforts – inspiration just doesn’t strike. As a communications professional and practicing artist, I know this struggle well. But through my own personal struggles, I’ve discovered a few sure-fire ways to help get through even the toughest creative block and get those mental juices flowing yet again.

Whether you’re a creative professional trying to get a project done or perhaps someone who identifies as not being very creative but wants to be, use these six tips for inspiration.

Learn more about yourself. Ask yourself – do you feel more motivated in the morning or right before bed? Do your best ideas come to you when you have time to relax or when you’re busy thinking about homework or everything you have to do at work tomorrow? Sometimes the key to creativity is mindfulness. Think back on your most creative instances and look for some common denominators. Keeping a journal is a great way to identify these trends!

Listen to music. Listening to music can be a relaxing way to get out of your own head. Try a new playlist on Spotify and see where the music takes you.

Tap into other creative outlets. If you’re a painter, try gardening. If you’re a singer, try baking. Trying new creative things or using less-utilized creative talents can help get your creative juices flowing again. For example, I love making art but I also love to sing and play piano. Whenever I am feeling less motivated in one of those areas, I lean on the others to keep myself inspired.

Admire the work of others. Do your research and look at what other leaders in your artistic field are doing. What’s amazing about creative ventures is that no two people approach things the same way. Everyone has gone through different training, taken a unique path and possesses their own sense of style. I love getting on Pinterest to check out what other artists are working on and flipping through art book from my local library. I also love visiting art galleries and museums. One of my favorite inspirational places is the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Spend time outside. Being outside puts your mind at ease and is proven to reduce stress which, for many, is key to being creative. I’m a big believer in hygge, which is the Danish concept of living life simply to find joy. To live a hygge lifestyle is important to always make time to be outside.

Give yourself a break! Modern life is all about being busy, all the time. But it’s OK to take a break once in a while. In fact, it’s more than OK; it’s necessary! Spend some time away from the project or hobby that is causing your creative block. You might be surprised what comes to you after taking a break away from it to have some fun (or take a nap).

Follow these six simple tips and you’ll cure your creative block in no time!