If you are creative (we all are!) it's inevitable to experience a creative block. And regardless of your craft, a dry spell can be very debilitating-especially when you can't place the reasoning behind it. Sometimes its cause is distraction, preoccupation with daily life or just a plain lack of ideas. When you are lacking motivation and inspiration, it's easy to get so frustrated you give up on your skill all together. Step away from the TV screen and take a stab at these cures.

Switch it up: Change your technique for a day. For example, say you are a photographer. Put down the camera, pick up a pen and become a writer. Trying something new takes courage and tells you a lot about yourself. Who knows? Maybe you'll decide that painting is your true passion or suddenly find a newfound appreciation for your decoupaged boxes once you realize that you hate writing poetry.

Stop and Stare: Become a professional people watcher. Arm yourself with materials and sit down on a park bench or nestle into a chair at a coffee house. Take note of what you see. Document what you smell, hear, see, and/or taste. Draw the children playing on the swing set near by. Take a picture of your steaming latt?. Eavesdrop on a conversation and note what you hear. Write a biography about a random bystander. Make up their name, job, and life history. Let your mind wander!

Change the Scenery: Remove yourself from your usual environment. If you typically work inside, set up outdoors. When you are constantly gazing at the same wall day after day, it's bound to become droning. Or perhaps search for take a trip to the library. Check out some books. For instance one containing inspiring poetry or a biography on a person who has your "dream job" may be helpful.

Take a class: Try something you've always had an interest to. Maybe it's yoga or tap dance, crocheting or even cake decorating but a fun inspirational activity will heighten your creative streak. Take a notebook with you and jot down how you feel before, during and after your first class. What did you like/not like? Were your expectations met? Do you plan on going back next week, etc?

Work on an Inspiration Journal: If you don't already have one, an inspiration journal is a must. Sometimes the inspiration strikes when you least expect it, so always be prepared. Make collages, scribble down your grocery list, preserve your favorite memories; the opportunities are endless. If you feel your journal is stale, shop for fun materials such as a pretty notebook or a pack of cool pens. Having a fresh start can help. Or, on the flip side, divulge into the past. Analyze a very favorite creation of yours. Envision yourself at the time you created the piece and channel the thoughts you felt, the place you were, and the life events you were going through. Sometimes, memories ignite the inspiration of the future.

But most importantly, don't stress. Anxiety will only drive you deeper into your stupor. Think of the reasons the block may be occurring. Are you feeling pressured by others to meet said expectation? Let go of expectations and remember that it doesn't mean your talent and creativity are gone forever. Become your biggest encourager. At the end of the day, you are the one whose opinion matters.