Skip to content

If you get stuck, get away from your desk. Take a walk…

“If you get stuck, get away from your desk. Take a walk, take a bath, go to sleep, make a pie, draw, listen to ­music, meditate, exercise; whatever you do, don't just stick there scowling at the problem. But don't make telephone calls or go to a party; if you do, other people's words will pour in…” quote by Hilary Mantel
Download Open image
““If you get stuck, get away from your desk. Take a walk, take a bath, go to sleep, make a pie, draw, listen to ­music, meditate, exercise; whatever you do, don't just stick there scowling at the problem. But don't make telephone calls or go to a party; if you do, other people's words will pour in where your lost words should be. Open a gap for them, create a space. Be patient.””

Hilary Mantel

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Stepping away from a problem creates mental space for fresh ideas and prevents overload.

In simple terms: Take breaks to think clearly.

Key Takeaway

Pause and reset to solve.

Themes

creativity focus well‑being

Mood

reflective calm

Type

advice motivational

When to use this quote

  • writer's block
  • stress
  • problem solving
  • creative work

Key Concepts

mindfulness cognitive reset environmental influence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you know when a break is needed?
  • What activity best clears your mind?
A Different Perspective

Breaks can interrupt flow if overused.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Hilary Mantel

Explore all 559 Hilary Mantel quotes

More Creativity quotes

Browse all 13,625 Creativity quotes