How to effectively use the moments when you don’t feel like doing anything

“As soon as such periods are not called: creative crisis, intellectual stagnation, lack of inspiration … I would call them“ moments of emptiness. There were so many of them in my life that I learned to cope with them and even benefit from them, ”admits blogger Tammy Danan and shares tips from her own experience.

1. Be aware of your condition

Do not deny and do not run, so you will only drive yourself into a dead end of idleness. Instead of overcoming your reluctance to work, acknowledge your condition. Do not be afraid to look in the mirror and say that you are having a bad day, your brain is not working and it seems that it will never work again.

The more relaxed you are about such moments, the easier it is to deal with them. Even the most successful entrepreneurs and great creators have these periods.

2. Set a time frame

Now that you understand what is happening to you, be patient. Let the moment last for two days. But no more: then you will need to work again. It is impossible to eradicate periods when you are ineffective, but to really gain control over them by setting a time limit. Allow yourself to stop, realizing that this is not forever.

3. Learn a lesson

Do not just sit on the couch waiting for a surge of energy — use this time effectively. Let your brain wander. Let him hunt for random thoughts, learn by thinking, experiment.

Remember what preceded the «moment of emptiness.» What were you working on? You may have spent too much time on a grueling project and now your brain needs a deep reset. Reflect on the situation. You may be able to learn hidden lessons from the situation.

4. Take a trip

Sometimes the best way to deal with “empty moments” is to take care of yourself. Traveling alone is an effective way to take care of your mind, body and soul. Remember: you only have two days, spend them in a new place.

If your «moments of emptiness» are becoming more frequent, you may have been too hard on yourself for a long time. In this case, it is simply necessary to change the environment in order to restart the “creative engine” and restore productivity.

5. Schedule a change of activity

Forcing ourselves to do what we do not want, we only increase stress, and intellectual activity sooner or later becomes impossible. Remember, this is just one of those days. Do something that really interests you. And then alternate this activity with work on the main project. Changing activities will help you get out of your routine.

6. Accept that you are not all powerful.

Sometimes, by changing activities, we manage to deceive the brain. But there are times when you just need to stop and accept the fact that we are not Superman or Wonder Woman and we will never be able to completely get rid of “moments of emptiness”, and this is normal.

7. Be mindful of your power

Can’t come to terms with «moments of emptiness»? It’s OK. Don’t beat yourself up, just keep trying. Remind yourself that you can be creative and productive again, you just have to wait a little. Do not avoid «moments of emptiness». They have a deep meaning. Sometimes the brain and body need to stop and reboot.