We all have them. All of us. Don’t ever think you’re the only one who has ever had a slump. Whether it’s lethargy just thinking about promoting your art or angst about getting back into the studio, a slump is a slump. Here are 10 things you can do to hasten your emergence from a slump.

1. Wallow. But wallow just a little bit. Wallow to honor your emotions and feel them fully. If it becomes depression, I can suggest nothing better than a couple of acupuncture treatments to get you back into alignment.

2. Plan something with a deadline. Nothing gets the juices flowing like facing a deadline for a promotional piece, an exhibit, or an event.

3. Get out. Take a walk, go to the gym, head to yoga class. Just get out.

4. Talk. Make appointments for coffees, lunches, and gallery or museum visits. Talk to people! Being the studio is lonely. You need to exchange ideas, observe life, and feel to your bones that your time is now.

5. Create your escape path. Just keep making art. Yeah, some of it might really stink, but you’ll eventually hit on gold.

6. Write. Write a nasty letter to someone who did you wrong or rejected you in some way (then shred it!). Write about your emotions. Write about your dreams--hopefully awakening in you the desire to return to them.

7. Read. Read an inspirational book like “Art & Fear.” Or read the biography of another artist. I’m currently (slowly) making my way through “Close Reading” about contemporary painter Chuck Close.

8. Listen. Listen to CDs or audio downloads that motivate you. There are tons of self-help podcasts available at no cost. And you can get this newsletter on podcast each Wednesday on the Art Biz Blog, http://www.artbizblog.com . Listen to the birds, listen to your children, listen to messages of hope. But don’t listen to newscasts that make you angry or depressed.

9. Watch. Watch a movie or documentary. To remind you of your connection to a larger group of artists, rent the series “art:21” ( http://www.pbs.org/art21  ) or the fabulous “Camille Claudel.” Don’t watch junk on television, especially if it makes you sad, mad, or causes you to withdraw further.

10. Purge. Get rid of things you don’t love. Clutter and things related to unhappy memories emit bad energy. You don’t need them around. In fact, you need them outta there if you want to create space for your rich life. If you need help purging, consider joining us this Thursday for the Office Spa Day, http://artbizcoach.com/classes/officespaday.html