Creative blocks in school is honestly one of the most frustrating things I’ve had to deal with. I can’t even count how many times I’ve been preparing for a presentation, rushing to finish up an assignment, or trying to study for an exam, and suddenly, my brain just feels stuck. At first, it used to really get to me, but over time I’ve figured out some personal ways of handling it so I don’t remain stuck for too long.
The first thing I usually do is take a nap. This may sound funny, but it really works for me. I’ve noticed that because I cram a lot when I read, I tend to overload my brain quickly. For example, if I’m reading and jotting things down, and then I suddenly forget a line or can’t recall something I just studied, it frustrates me. But instead of sitting there struggling and wasting more time, I just pause and allow myself to rest. A short nap usually resets my brain. Most times , when I wake up, I often find out that I can remember the things I was trying to force into my brain earlier with less effort.
Another thing that helps me is going outside for fresh air. Honestly, sometimes me being stuck when reading isn’t even about the difficulty of the task—it’s about the environment. Reading or working in a stuffy room can make me feel drained and heavy. So, whenever I feel that way, I just step outside for a while. There are trees planted in my hostel surroundings where I like to stay because it’s always cool there. Sitting under the tree, and just taking a break from the noise around me really calms my mind. Once I’ve spent a few minutes outside, I usually feel better and more ready to get back to whatever I am doing.
Lastly, music is one of my biggest weapons against creative blocks. In fact, sometimes i read with my earphones plugged in. Music has this way of helping me block out distractions and focus. I remember during my I.T programme i did in my second semester, I was preparing for a presentation and got so frustrated while trying to type out my points. At some point, I just gave up and borrowed someone’s earpiece. The moment I started listening to music, it felt like the energy came back. I was able to type with ease, and before I knew it, I had finished everything. That presentation ended up being a success, and I truly believe the music made the difference.
So, for me, handling creative blocks isn’t about forcing myself to keep working when I’m stuck. It’s more about knowing when to step back, refresh, and reset my mind. Whether it’s through a nap, fresh air, or music, I always find a way to recharge so I can come back stronger and finish what I need to do.
Thanks for reading.