Well-being + creativity
are often intertwined
Wellness and creativity coaching can help you create a vision of your most well, joyful, creatively thriving self. As your guide on the side, I’ll help you set goals to reach your vision, and we’ll build strategies to achieve that vision and flourish.
The writing road can be long, bumpy, and sometimes lonely. But you don’t have to travel alone. I’m here to support you, provide accountability, foster a growth mindset, and remind you of your strengths and skills that will help you finish your project and keep your well-being in check throughout the process.
Aleisha Theisen,
Mayo Clinic-trained, nationally certified wellness coach & writer
With a background in journalism and health care, I know how easy it is to get overwhelmed and burned out when under pressure, whether it be trying to perfect your work or meet tight deadlines while juggling other work demands and family obligations. Physical, mental, social and emotional wellness can get pushed to the background. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Do you need to recharge your creative spirit to help you finish your project strong? Reduce stress? Boost your energy? I’m here for you.
I offer one-on-one coaching as well as group coaching if your writing group or critique group would like to do a wellness and creativity session together. This is a great way to deepen your connections and find fresh ways to support each other toward your goals.
Coaching Corner Tips:
Overcome Writer’s Block & Creative Burnout
If you’re staring at a blank page or feeling like your creative spark has fizzled out, take a deep breath. First, know this: you’re not alone, and you’re not broken. Writer’s block and creative burnout happen to everyone, even the most prolific writers and artists.
What you’re experiencing isn’t a sign that you’ve “lost it.” Often, it’s a signal that you need to nurture your creative well-being. Let’s explore some simple, supportive exercises to help you move through the block and rekindle your creativity.
1. The Morning Pages Reset
Have you tried Julia Cameron’s famous morning pages? This practice involves writing three pages of anything that comes to mind—unedited, unfiltered, and just for you.
Why it works: It clears mental clutter and frees up space for new ideas.
How to start: Write first thing in the morning, before checking your phone or diving into the day. Don’t worry about grammar or coherence—this is for your eyes only.
2. Write Like Nobody’s Watching
Sometimes writer’s block is rooted in fear: fear of judgment, imperfection, or “getting it wrong.” Combat this by giving yourself permission to write something silly, nonsensical, or downright bad.
Try this exercise: Write a parody of your work, create a ridiculous backstory for a fictional character, or draft the worst opening sentence you can imagine.
The result: You’ll stop taking the process so seriously and free yourself to explore without pressure.
3. Walk It Out
Physical movement can unlock creativity in surprising ways. Taking a walk—especially in nature—has been shown to improve problem-solving and encourage creative thinking.
How to make it work: Leave your phone behind or put it on airplane mode to avoid distractions. Use the time to let your thoughts wander or focus on the sights, sounds, and smells around you.
4. Break the Rules With Micro-Writing Prompts
Sometimes, all you need is a tiny push to get started. Micro-writing prompts are quick, low-pressure ways to spark your imagination.
Examples:
Write a 10-word story about a secret.
Describe your favorite memory using only the senses (no emotions or thoughts).
Imagine your character’s favorite food—why do they love it?
The goal: Forget about the big picture and let yourself play with words.
5. Try a “Creative Warm-Up”
Before diving into your main project, spend 10–15 minutes on a different, low-stakes activity to loosen up your creativity.
Ideas:
Freewrite for 5 minutes about anything on your mind.
Sketch a quick doodle or write a haiku.
Listen to a song and write a paragraph inspired by it.
6. Switch Mediums to Shake Things Up
If writing feels impossible, try expressing yourself in a different way.
Experiment with:
Painting or sketching an idea you’re stuck on.
Collaging images and words that resonate with your story or theme.
Acting out a scene from your work and seeing how it feels in motion.
7. Reconnect With Your “Why”
Burnout often stems from losing touch with the purpose or joy behind your work. Take a moment to reflect:
Why did you start writing in the first place?
What do you love most about storytelling or creating?
Who are you writing for—yourself, your audience, or both?
Sometimes, journaling about these questions or creating a vision board of what inspires you can reignite your passion.
8. Honor Your Rest Cycle
Burnout is a sign that your mind and body are asking for rest. Creativity thrives when you allow yourself to step back and recharge.
What rest looks like:
Take a day (or a week) off without guilt.
Engage in activities that fill you up, like reading, cooking, or spending time with loved ones.
Sleep! Often, a well-rested brain is all it takes to see things clearly again.
9. Change Your Space
Sometimes a change of scenery can spark new ideas.
Small tweaks: Rearrange your desk, add a plant, or light a candle.
Bigger changes: Write in a coffee shop, library, or park for a fresh perspective.
10. Start Small and Celebrate Progress
When you’re feeling stuck, big goals can feel overwhelming. Instead, focus on micro-goals you can achieve today.
For example: Write one sentence, brainstorm three ideas, or revise a single paragraph.
Celebrate it! Even the smallest progress moves you forward, and each step builds momentum.
A Gentle Reminder
Writer’s block and burnout don’t define your talent or your potential—they’re just part of the creative process. Be kind to yourself as you work through them. Creativity ebbs and flows, and the blocks you’re experiencing now are temporary.
You don’t have to power through or force it. Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is pause, breathe, and trust that your inspiration will return. Because it will.
When it does, you’ll be ready.