How do you get the spark back when writers blocks appear?

Hi everyone,

I’m currently going through a severe case of "writer's block," but for photography. I used to carry my camera everywhere, but lately, it’s been sitting on my shelf gathering dust. Every time I think about going out to shoot, I talk myself out of it, or I look through the viewfinder and nothing looks interesting to me anymore.

I feel like I've shot everything in my local area, or maybe I’m just being overly critical of my own work.

For those of you who have been in a slump like this:

• What did you do to break out of it?
• Did you force yourself to shoot through it, or did you take a break?
• Are there any specific exercises or "assignments" you give yourself to get the gears turning again?

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!