Writer’s block is something that nearly every writer encounters, whether they write professionally or just for fun. According to Sabine LeBel of the University of Toronto, writer’s block “occurs when a writer feels truly stuck and unable to write.” As LeBel suggests, this can result from confusion about what you are writing, anxiety, or various forms of stress (either because of a work deadline or due to events in one’s personal life). Sometimes there is no clear reason; a writer can wake up one day and write easily, and the next day they may struggle to put pen to paper.
Luckily, if you’re experiencing writer’s block, you aren’t alone! Here are some ideas that have helped me in the past when I found it difficult to write.
Go for a Walk
Often, when I’m trying to think of ideas or if I need a break from writing, I like to go for a walk. This can be as simple as walking to another room, or it can involve going outside and getting some fresh air. Walking in a natural area, surrounded by trees and singing birds, is a great way to get inspiration or even just seek a more peaceful state of mind.
Exercise can ease stress, releasing endorphins that chemically boost your mood and also help elevate your energy levels. It can help you feel more prepared to take on a challenge and increase your ability to focus.
Additionally, natural surroundings may have positive mental and physical health effects that will make it easier to write. Just being around green spaces, getting sunshine, and having a change of scenery can produce a wide range of cognitive benefits.
Eat a Snack
Having a healthy snack is another good way to refocus. Not only does this get me out of my chair and away from my computer for a few minutes, but it also can provide the nutrients and energy my body needs to recharge. This does not mean you should stress eat or consume junk food; it just means stopping briefly to have some fresh fruit, a cup of tea, or a bowl of cereal.
Sometimes, if you haven’t eaten in a while, you may feel tired or mentally unfocused. A healthy snack can help energize you so you can return to your writing with a different frame of mind. Walnuts, green leafy vegetables, and blueberries are among the snacks that have been proven to increase cognitive performance or “brainpower.”
Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep is another important part of keeping your mind sharp. It can improve your memory, increase your mood, and improve your overall health. Most adults need at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to feel refreshed and healthy. Insomnia and other sleep issues have been linked to slower thinking and reduced concentration.
If you have time, taking a nap during the day may help increase your energy. However, one of the most important things is to have a consistent sleep schedule. Some research shows that going to bed by 10 p.m. is ideal, but most experts agree that each person will have their own specific sleep needs.
Listen to Music
A great way to find ideas for writing is to consume (or create) other types of art. Paintings, architecture, sculptures, and many other creative works speak to the potential of the human mind and the endless sources of inspiration that are all around us. One of my favourite things to do while writing is listening to music. It can have various cognitive benefits, though this depends on the preferences of each individual.
Although sometimes I find music with lyrics to be too distracting while I write, usually instrumental music is both relaxing and invigorating without being overly intrusive. Whether I’m listening to the symphonies of Joseph Haydn or enjoying Alice Coltrane’s jazz recordings, music is often a great way to stimulate my imagination or even just get my mind back on track.
Read Something Interesting
Gaining inspiration from some of your favourite authors is an excellent way to improve your own writing and overcome writer’s block. Whether you pick up a globally acclaimed novel or simply scroll through an online article, reading is an important place to get ideas, jog your memory, or regain your enthusiasm for whatever it is that you want to write.
Reading can make the connections in your brain stronger and improve your overall well-being. Hunkering down with a book for a couple of hours or even just reading a few pages can have significant benefits. Finding a bit of time in your daily schedule for reading can ease your stress and give you the motivation you need to find your voice as a writer.
Write
Perhaps the best way to overcome writer’s block is to write! While this may seem counterintuitive since writer’s block makes writing difficult, sometimes just putting something on the page can be enough to get over this challenge. Engaging in free writing or choosing a random topic can help you produce words and get back into some form of writing rhythm. Maybe your writer’s block is caused by the stress of having to focus on one particular thing; writing something else might make it easier to go back to that task later.
There are many tips for writing more effectively. This includes researching, brainstorming, creating outlines, working on your grammar, and many other methods of improving what you write. But sometimes you just need to write something—anything—so you can get back into the swing of things and overcome the writer’s block that has been slowing you down.
Conclusion
Writer’s block can be difficult to deal with. Sometimes, it only lasts for a few hours; other times, people struggle with it for weeks! Thankfully, there are many ways to re-energize yourself so you can get back to filling up the page in front of you with beautiful words. The inspiration for your writing can come from many different places, whether you turn to the wonders of nature, grab a healthy snack, get a good night’s sleep, listen to music, or read a great book. You can also enlist iPlume Writing to help you overcome your writer’s block, as our researching, writing, editing, and proofreading skills can help you with almost any written task. Contact us today to find out more.
