As a writer, you’re always creating. Sometimes, it can even feel impossible to turn it off. Until one day, it grinds to a halt without warning. We’ve all faced creative blocks, but there’s a secret to preventing them. That secret? Taking good care of your mental health. This will keep you inspired and prevent writer’s block and burnout.

Sometimes, it’s necessary to rearrange priorities, but you should never let your mental health fall by the wayside. Even when you feel happy and healthy, take the time to make sure you stay that way. Rest assured, taking care of yourself will help you stay creative and keep your work flowing consistently.

Try following these five steps to keep your mind healthy and prevent your creativity from suffering. Each can be built into your routine to help you harness your creative power healthily and productively.

The Tortured Artist Myth

The myth that pain somehow fuels art and writing or that all great artists are emotionally tormented is a highly dangerous and outdated notion. We know that many great writers, from Sylvia Plath to Ernest Hemingway, struggled with their mental health in various ways. But it was despite these struggles, not because of them, that they created great works. Indeed, writers and other creative people are often more highly sensitive, but that doesn’t mean they must be unhappy.

Good mental health and a positive outlook are not only good for productivity, but they’re also good for creativity. A positive outlook keeps us motivated; higher motivation levels mean we’re more likely to create new ideas. These ideas will help you keep your spirits high so you can stay motivated and develop new ideas for your writing.

Prevent Writer Burnout

This section is focused on preventing writer burnout by reducing stress and ensuring that you take good care of yourself.

Make Writing a Routine

By making writing a daily routine, you’ll train your brain to harness inspiration. It’s like catching lightning in a bottle. Your mind will know when it is time to work and be creative so you can show up with inspiration ready to strike. This will also help to minimize the times when inspiration strikes at inconvenient times (like three in the morning or while driving down the road).

Consciously Consume

By thoughtfully and consciously consuming new ideas, you’ll help give your creative mind new energy. This can include anything from reading a new book to spending time people-watching or trying a new hobby like painting or woodworking. Exposing yourself to new ideas and experiences will change your routine and give your mind fresh things to think about.

Soon, you’ll find these new ideas popping up in your writing. That’s because they will reshape the way you look at the world. They will help to inspire you and give even more energy to your creative battery.

Final Thoughts

The idea of the tortured artist is an outmoded cliché. Be part of the revolution. Take care of your mental health. Creativity runs on fresh ideas and good energy, not pain and suffering.

To avoid burnout, minimize your stressors, take care of your physical health, and take breaks. Prevent creative slumps with the introduction of new ideas. Don’t forget to keep a consistent writing routine to get the most out of the inspiration you’re fueling with those new ideas.

Try working some or all of these tips into your daily routine to help keep you endlessly creative!