Bloggers and web professionals have it tough – being constantly and consistently creative in every blog post is no small task. It requires inspiration stamina and resourcefulness. When you’re feeling down and out but need to keep those posts on churning, try these tips to keep your creative spirit well-fed and full of energy.

#1 – Write a letter to your Best Client
We all need to feel well liked from now and then. And the “light bulb” of ideas to entertain and keep your followers coming back is no different. With pen and paper, begin a letter with “Dear My Best Client Ever,” and simultaneously let your mind wander, stream-of-consciousness style, without ever stopping the pen from moving across the page. Apologize for not giving the best service ever. Ask questions. Thank them for the great ideas you used on that last project. Get all the things bothering you off your chest. Even doodle if you have to. Your fictitious best client will awaken and respond to the positive attention — and you may just feel a lightbulb or two come on.

#2 – Give your right brain a rest
Give your left brain something to do for a change and let the right brain take a vacation. Next time you need some time away from a creative project, try doing a crossword puzzle or word search puzzle. It will give your creative side a break while keeping you mentally stimulated.

#3 – Volunteer with or help others
Very simple: help others with something, and it will reward you tenfold. Visit a local nursing home, habitat for humanity, relay for life and get out there to help. I personally came back from a St. Petersburg College wide Relay for Life and the whole positive message and raising money for cancer made my mind and body feel a lot better. Also, if you see someone struggling with a task that you have specialized knowledge do not be afraid to lend some advice. Trust me it will come back to you.

#4 – Try something new
Take a trip outside your normal comfort zone. Try a new food – Veagen cuisine is quite delicious! New activities or sports will awaken your body, firing synapses to your brain, opening up new possibilities of thoughts and ideas. Wear a crazy shirt on your next day off. Read a different genre of novel or watch a different genre of film than you’re accustomed to, and see how your imagination reacts.

#5 – Revisit past projects
Take a gander at your own best work, creatively & professionally. Where did that *spark* come from for those projects? In what ways could you emulate that now?

#6 – Make an inspiration board
Make a visual splash page of your ideas. These can be focused thoughts, such as if you have a project at hand, or totally unfocused if you’re simply brainstorming. Create a vibrant collection of daring “what-ifs?” Stand back and observe. Notice anything?

#7 – Creative Intelligence
Look at what made you laugh, inspired, or entertained from other bloggers in industry. Emulate the idea behind what they do and put your own spin on it. I follow three bloggers faithfully and it lets me unwind for six to seven minutes. See if you can let your audience unwind.

Until your next inspiration, and remember to always entertain.
– Mark