Among the many struggles professionals of different fields share are mental blocks that can turn your biggest opportunities into your worst nightmares.

What makes mental blocks all the more worrying is how unpredictable they are, occurring from out of nowhere – one moment, your head is shooting out ideas, and the next, it’s totally blank and black.

Rather than beating yourself up over it, here are some tried-and-tested ways to overcome the occasional mental block.

1. Try a change your environment

Studies show that people react differently to the cleanliness of a workspace, i.e. they have their own “cluster style”. However, if even your own clutter style is not helping clear that mental block, a change in scenery might help.

Try going to a coffee shop, a quiet restaurant, the library, or even travel out of town. You may be surprised at how it may spark a new creative idea or two.

2. Free-writing

Write whatever comes to mind, both related and unrelated to work, even though they might seem like random, unconnected thoughts. Give it time and soon enough, creativity will start to flow and so will the ideas.

This is actually an effective way to brainstorm and a technique writers often use. You can also try word associations.

You start with a general word/topic written in the centre of a sheet of paper. Within an allotted time frame, write as many concepts/phrases that come to mind about the word/topic. Also jot down other words and phrases related to these concepts and phrases.

By the end of the time frame, you’ll have an interconnected, web-like word structure on the paper.

3. Do something else first

Ditch your work for a bit and focus on little tasks first. This includes tasks unrelated to your work such as chores, cleaning your workspace, organising your budget, reading emails.

These tiny breaks can build up your productive and creative momentum so you can progress in your work. It can also provide you with some time and space to clear your head so you can put all your focus, energy, time, and attention on your work.

4. Talk to your business partners/colleagues/friends

One thing you should remember is that you can always learn a thing or two from those around you.

When it comes to brainstorming and exploring new ideas, it is helpful to talk to colleagues, friends, and family, sometimes even those who do not know a lot about your scope of work. Just remember to answer their questions patiently.

In this way, you’re more likely to see what you’ve been missing the entire time. It’s true that flaws are easily spotted by outsiders who have a different perspective. At times, even a joke or simple remark can lead to your “eureka” moment.

Make it a goal to explain your ideas in the simplest way possible when talking to those unfamiliar with your work. Doing this can help you refresh your mind about the details of your work and what needs to be done.

On the other hand, struggling to explain something makes many people stuck in a mental block realise that they lack a proper understanding of what their work is all about. If this applies to you, make a conscious effort to read and research more about those areas you find hard to explain yourself.

5. Rid yourself of unnecessary stress

Sometimes, the stress and pressure you exert on yourself are what distracts you from your creative and productive flow. Of course, things in life do not come easy, and some sources of stress need to be dealt with.

Comparing yourself to others, especially more successful people, is a common stressor. This is not only demotivating; it can also drive others away from you.

Build a nurturing relationship rather than a dangerously competitive one with friends and colleagues. There will always be someone better than you or who possesses something you wish you had. If you worry about this too much, you will only drown yourself in your own pressure and unnecessary worries.

Therefore aim for some internal control rather than only that promotion or external power. Even before you get to the top of your career ladder, it is important to first “be the master of your own self”.

6. Meditate

What can sitting quietly and breathing properly do to overcome a mental block? If you don’t know already, you should know that among the many things that cause mental blocks are other thoughts, both conscious and unconscious, that may be distracting you.

Meditation helps you confront both conscious and unconscious thoughts that may be distracting you. It does not cost you anything except time, and requires no special skill.

Just find a quiet spot where you won’t be bothered by anyone. You cannot fully comprehend the importance of meditation until you experience it for yourself. If the Buddha could attain the Four Truths by doing it, it can probably help you figure your way out of that mental block.

This article first appeared in The New Savvy.

The New Savvy is Asia’s leading financial, investments and career platform for women. Our bold vision is to empower 100 million women to achieve financial happiness. We deliver high-quality content through conferences, e-learning platforms, personal finance apps and e-commerce stores.