13 Surefire Ways to Defeat Writers Block
Don’t throw your laptop out the window just yet.
Do you find yourself staring at the white page on your screen or notebook with no idea of where to start? It’s not unusual for writers of all shapes and sizes to experience the dreaded writer’s block from time to time. But that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world or even the end of your workday. The frustration is real, but before you close your laptop, or push aside your notebook, try one of these nifty tricks to help regain your flow and have it moving in the right direction.
1. Free Writing
If you’re having an epic staring contest with that blank page in front of you, the best thing to do is not leave it blank. Start writing about anything and everything. Forget about that particular writing assignment or project you’re trying to work on. Simply write down whatever is happening in that beautiful brain of yours. This is what some call stream of consciousness writing. No need to hold back. No one will see this except you. Set a goal of one page and see where your inner monologue takes you.
2. Distract Yourself
You were blown away last night by that new show on Netflix, right? Or maybe disappointed about the latest episode on Bachelor. A good way to distract your brain from the block is to write about something that has absolutely nothing to do with work. It could be an interesting book you read or a new recipe you tried and failed at. Taking something seemingly insignificant and putting it down in writing will help get your fingers moving and your brain switched on.
3. Take a Walk
A change of scenery is a good way to pull yourself out of the writing funk you find yourself in. Sometimes, relocating to a different room is all it takes to get those juices flowing again, but if you’re really having a hard time concentrating, get out of the house, office, or library and walk around for 15 minutes. Focus on the things happening around you and enjoy the moment. Give your 5 senses all the attention. Look at the other building. What does the air smell like? Run your fingers over the grass. Give your brain a sensory field trip for a few minutes before sitting back in front of your computer.
4. Stretch
So many feelings and emotions get locked and trapped within our bodies. A good stretch can be the release you’re looking for. Stand and do a simple forward bend while breathing deeply. Let your arms dangle in front of you and relax your face and neck. Or try laying on your back with your legs and arms relaxed beside you. Feel the heaviness of your body on the floor. Pull your legs towards your chest and wrap your arms around them. Rock from side to side, giving your back a gentle massage. Spread your arms and legs on the floor again and notice the difference in how your body feels. Our bodies are very intuitive and know exactly what is needed, so play around with different stretches.
5. Breathe
Stop what you’re doing, close your eyes, and breathe. Start with a count of four as you inhale and exhale. Slowly increase the count until you are taking deep and even breaths. Continue this for a few minutes or until you feel calm and relaxed.
6. Entertain Your Brain
When I’m really stuck, I give my brain a timeout and watch 30 minutes of a fun tv show (my favorite is American Dad), or I listen to some upbeat songs and indulge in a bit of karaoke with the remote control as my microphone. Sometimes, I run a quick errand or start prepping for dinner. Anything that will take my mind temporarily off the task at hand.
7. Listen to a Podcast
There are dozens of amazing writing podcasts out there that you can draw inspiration from. It’s good to remember that you’re not alone. There’re writers all over the world going through the very thing that you’re experiencing. Writing podcasts highlights the struggles of everyday writers and gives helpful tips and funny anecdotes to pull you out of that writing funk.
8. Exercise
So many great ideas have come to me as I was jogging in the neighborhood or taking a yoga class on YouTube. Exercise is a great way to keep your body and mind in shape and can be a useful tool to distract yourself into a productive writing idea.
9. Meditation
You don’t have to be a professional yogi to enjoy the benefits of meditation. And you don’t need to spend hours chanting in the lotus position. Meditation can happen anywhere and at any time. For this purpose, don’t try to quiet your mind, but sit or lay in silence for a few minutes and acknowledge the thoughts that are flowing freely. Our brains never stop thinking. Meditation helps you to observe those thoughts without holding on too tightly. Picture each thought as a cloud rolling by, and your only job is to observe and enjoy. Set a timer for 10 minutes of silence and see what brilliant ideas float your way.
10. Read
We didn’t get to where we are as writers if we didn’t love reading. Use this unfortunate momentary block to go back to the basics of what you love. Skim a few chapters of the latest bestseller or one of your old-time favorites. Read a news article about current events or a fun, entertaining blog. This might also be a good time to brush up on the subject matter that’s got you stumped. Reading is one of the easiest and best motivations for writing.
11. Google
Search engines can be your best friend. Not only when you’re researching a topic, but it can also give you ideas for how you want to structure your writing. Check out what other writers have to say about a topic and how specific writing content is formatted. Admiring the work of other writers can give you a perspective shift to help jump start your own writing project.
12. Stop Judging
Do yourself a favor and be kind to the writing process and yourself. You’re not the only one to experience writer’s block, and it won’t be the last time. Have patience with yourself. It can be frustrating, but the words will come in their own time. Your job is to relax and let it happen naturally.
13. Save It For Tomorrow
Unless you’re under a tight deadline, there’s nothing wrong with accepting that you’re done for the day. Sometimes, that golden idea is still marinating, and it’s not quite ready to surface. Things look so different after a good night’s rest. This doesn’t mean you’ve failed or you’re a terrible writer. Everyone’s process is different. It’s all about trial and error to see what works best for you. And sometimes it’s best to try again another day.
If you have other ideas and tricks to help defeat the block, I would love to know. In the meantime, happy writing!
