Everyone has been there.

The moment where nothing can emerge from the paint, no words are flowing from the pen and no photo seems to be capturing beauty.

Every artist has been at the point of depleted creativity.

For myself, it is so much more than writer's block. It's the frustrating inability to produce anything, even what seems to be on the tip of the tongue.

I haven't written an Odyssey article since March and it's not been for lack of trying. I've been the cliche person, sitting at my desk, throwing balls of crumpled up paper towards the trash till it's overflowing with my yellow legal pad.

Being at the point of depleted creativity can be the most frustrating thing for someone. But I've learned that it normally starts at the point of exhaustion.

Entering April, I could not get any words to come out of my pen. I struggled writing for my newspaper, but luckily interviews aided in my mental block. At least I wasn't expected to produce something out of my own creativity.

But low and behold, I'd try every night. I'd open up my laptop or grab my notepad and I'd beg for something to come out. And I knew this wasn't something new. I'd been struggling to write for months.

It's as if my book no longer wanted to be written or I no longer had any inspiration.

I'd search for things to get my creative juices flowing but nothing would suffice. I then had to acknowledge the truth that I'd been avoiding for a while: I was tired.

Not just "I need a nap" tired. Not just "oh a good 8 hours of sleep should do it" tired.

I was worn to the bone, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally tired. And I knew it was sapping creativity from me.

I made the argument that there wasn't much I could do until summer. I was in 18 hours of classes, working two jobs, had social engagements, needed to go to the gym, cook, clean, oh and I had to take all my finals a week early so I could drive out of state to my internship that began immediately.

See what I mean? No time.

But looking back, that wasn't the best excuse. I wasn't taking care of myself so how could I expect creativity when I couldn't even produce healthiness?

If you're feeling the same, here are some tips that I used to help get my going again.

1. Step back for a bit

I know that your life is busy and your to-do list is probably as long as mine, but you won't accomplish anything well if you're not healthy and rested. I get there are times for all-nighters and intense weeks, but learn to take a step back and relax... even for a couple of hours.

I struggled with this hardcore cause I am a do-it-yourself kind of person. But being in certain leadership roles have taught me the importance and the crucial need to delegate. So take a step back, maybe hand something off to someone else, and breathe.

2. Be willing to suck for a while

I must have started fifty different articles and could only squeeze three or four sentences out each time. Write stuff that you might think is horrible, paint something you think would put the Guggenheim to shame... just do something! You may hate it, but don't quit. I'm sure Monet had his moments too.

3. Look at other's work for a while

Read other people's books, go to the art museum and see what they're doing... let others inspire you for a while rather than trying to inspire others constantly.

4. Travel

I know this is sometimes unrealistic, but even going to another city or town nearby will do. I spent two weeks in rural Iowa, far away from the bustling city, and it did wonders. Even visiting a small town in South Dakota reenergized me. Changing your scenery can be magical for your creativity.

So next time you feel creativtly depleted, know that it will pass. It might take months like mine, but it's probably a way your mind and body are telling you to chill.