What is Writer’s Block?
Writer’s block is that awful crushing feeling that catches every writer by the throat once in a while. For some, it happens more often. For a select few, it’s a rarity. Writer’s block happens when you just can’t manifest words. You may have ideas, but try as you might, your brain simply refuses to help. So what can you do? Below you will find ten remedies I’ve found useful for when disaster strikes. These are proven methods to help stimulate creativity. Results may vary.
1. Get into nature or take a walk someplace you love.
Nature walks are one of the best remedies for writer’s block. Whether it’s walking on the beach or hiking up a mountain. Even a simple stroll down the street can help distract your mind long enough to let your creativity flow again.
Often writer’s block is the result of putting too much pressure on yourself to write. Nature has a calming effect. Exercise boosts endorphins. Give it a try. You might even run into something cool that inspires that next chapter you’ve been trying to write.
2. Write about something completely unrelated to what you actually want to write.
“Writing about a writer’s block is better than not writing at all.”
Charles Bukowski
Writing about something different may sound counterintuitive, but it works. This post is a perfect example. I wrote this post because I couldn’t muster the courage to work on my novel. It actually created enough motivational energy to create several new chapters.
The simple act of writing gets you back into the spirit. If you actually accomplish something with that writing, you’ll feel even better. Completing a task stimulates your brain to produce endorphins that will boost your mood. This might be just what you need to get back on track with your project.
Get inspired! Check out this list of Creative Writing Prompts to cure your writer’s block!
3. Make yourself a good cup of tea (or coffee).
Affiliate Link:
I don’t recommend too much caffeine for anyone. Still, a small amount can be just what you need to get your energy levels back up. Drinking something warm and cozy helps to relax your ever-frantic mind. If your drink has caffeine, it may also help sharpen your focus. It’s always a little easier to write an extra chapter after a tea break.
Side note – Green tea has many other benefits, including improved brain function.
4. Do something creative that you find relaxing.
Creativity flows like a river. But anxiety, stress, and fear can dam it up, like rocks or a fallen tree. You may discover that doing other creative things helps release your creativity again. Try drawing, painting, photography, or another crafting hobby instead of just mindlessly staring at your novel.
An awesomely creative (and secretly productive) craft is Bullet Journaling. If you’ve never tried bullet journaling, I highly recommend doing so the next time writer’s block attacks. You can visit here to learn more about the benefits of bullet journaling for writers.
Whatever you choose to do, you will feel so much better once you’re done. You’ll have accomplished something and proven to yourself that your creativity is intact. It’s also a good way to find inspiration and maintain productivity.
5. Read a book!
It’s a well-known fact that in order to be a good writer, you must read – constantly. I’m usually working on at least 3 books at a time. When you find yourself stuck and just can’t seem to push any words through your hands, put a book in them (or an e-reader for some).
Try to finish the entire book before returning to your attempts at writing. This will show you several things:
- If this person can finish writing a book, so can you. We’re all in this together.
- You may find inspiration in what you’re reading. No one’s work is entirely original – even the masterful “Magicians'” series by Lev Grossman has roots in C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” Human consciousness is a web, and every idea is built upon previous ideas.
- Reading allows your brain to relax while still functioning in a creative way. Your imagination has to work to draft mental pictures from written imagery. You’re stringing together thoughts and developing ideas from them. You’re doing all of this while simultaneously calming your mind.
There is nothing better than a good book. Pair it with a nice, hot cup of tea and you should be feeling back to your wonderful, writer self in no time! Check out these Author Spotlights to find inspiring testimonials from published authors. They explain how they were able to overcome struggles and create triumphs.
6. Hold your head still, and use your eyes to look left then right for 30 seconds.
This sounds crazy and stupidly simple. I learned this on an episode of the Netflix series, “Brainchild.”
They did an experiment where people had to come up with ideas for re-using an old ketchup bottle. The first trial showed participants attempting the exercise with no preparation. Then they did the eye movement trick before trying again. All the participants were able to come up with way more ideas the second time. I was skeptical of the results. But I tried it anyway and… It really works!
According to the scientist on the episode, it has something to do with bridging the connection between your left and right brain, allowing logic and creativity to work together to generate ideas. I don’t fully understand it, and can’t explain it any better. All I know is that I do it because it really, really works. Try it for yourself and let me know if it worked for you in the comments.
7. Find some music that inspires you and listen while you write.
Sometimes you just need a tiny bit of mental noise to drown out your inner critic. Cue the music. Music may be what you need to filter your thoughts into cohesive brilliant ideas. Find your beat with what inspires you. Nature sounds and calming piano music are my gold standards for focused mental energy. What in your go-to creativity boosting playlist?
Take some deep cleansing breaths and put on your favorite melody. You might even end up needing a dance break. That will definitely boost your endorphins and get your creative juices flowing. Rock on, writer.
8. Do some yoga or meditation.
Yoga and meditation have become very popular. There’s a reason for that. In this world we’re living in, the mental noise and distractions are increasing at exponential speeds. We’re expected to be productive at all times. To be constantly thinking and growing and doing things. This idea is absolutely ridiculous and can be very damaging.
Your mind, body, and spirit all need breaks. You should strive to quiet your mind as much as possible. Sometimes thinking about nothing at all can lead to some of your best ideas ever. Meditation is not easy. It takes a lot of practice before you start seeing results. But once you make it a habit, it’s such a wonderful tool.
Yoga goes hand in hand with meditating. It allows you to work on your body without pushing yourself too hard. Try combining the two by meditating while you do yoga. If you find yourself stuck on your project, hop on the floor and do a quick 15-minute yoga meditation session. The light exercise will relax your body, boost your mental energy, and the meditation might quiet your mind enough to let your novel escape.
9. Change up your writing space.
I love this idea and I do it all the time. Having a writing space is so critical to your success as a writer. This isn’t just about actual, physical space. You really need to create space in your life, time, and mental bubble for your writing.
Once you have solidified your writer’s life, you expect to feel comfortable and confident all the time. But that’s not really how it works. You go through the same motivation cycles you’ve been traveling your whole life. When you reach a slump try taking your computer, or notebook, or typewriter (who does that?) and go somewhere new.
- Try writing at the park (nature is great inspiration!).
- Coffee shops are also great places to listen to interesting dialoguetha tmay inspire you. (I love going to coffee shops to write. Yes, I’m one of those people.)
- You could go to the mall and people-watch while you write.
- Writing on trains is a truly exceptional experience that everyone should do at least once.
- The best is driving to random places and writing in your car. The freedom of the open road liberates your soul.
You may be in need of some organization if your writing space stresses you out too often. There are tons of great resources for becoming a more organized writer on InkWell Spills. If you’re new to writing or frustrated with a lack of results, check out this post to learn more about creating a highly organized writing career. Try the ideas in this post to help you develop solid writing habits.
Changing up the scenery is such a simple and effective solution. You’re likely to discover all you needed was a change in atmosphere.
10. Give yourself a break.
I say this with caution. Do not give up on your writing entirely! Writer’s block is a temporary thing. Don’t let giving up be a permanent solution. You can do this. No matter how difficult it seems, you can do it. I believe in you. I want to read your story, and lots of other people do too.
If none of these steps helped you. If nothing else you’ve tried seems to work. It might be time to simply walk away. Take a day off, or a week, or even a month. Sometimes you’re simply drained and you need to rest. But don’t forget to get back to your writing. I can’t stress this enough. You must carry on. I have faith in you. Take a break if you need to, but never give up! You got this!
Bonus Tip: If you need some motivation, I highly recommend joining the #writingcommunity group on Twitter. Or any writer’s group with supportive people. Being part of a group can help you through your worst creative slumps. They will be there for you and understand your struggles. A writer’s group will also help you come up with new ideas. You can also check out your local groups and forums on the NaNoWriMo website: https://www.nanowrimo.org/regions
