When I sit down to write, I always feel motivated to get started on a new piece. However, sometimes I find it challenging to get my thoughts in order, and the words don’t always come out the way I would like.
It can feel frustrating, especially if you have writing deadlines that are approaching, and that can add more stress and anxiety to the problem of writer’s block. Being drawn into a writer’s block black hole can be a time-stealer, and that’s another frustrating aspect when we don’t have time to waste.
There are a few reasons why writer’s block happens to even the best writers out there.
Wanting to achieve unrealistic perfection and fear that the work isn’t good enough and will be heavily judged are all catalysts for writer’s block. As a blogger, experiencing writer’s block is unavoidable, and every writer may have their own way of getting back on the writing track. However, sometimes our usual methods might not be able to solve the writer’s block problem as quickly as we would like and we stay stuck in writer’s block hell a little bit longer than we anticipate.
Experimenting with new ways to combat writer’s block can trigger creativity and leave you refreshed, re-focused and your fingers back to clacking on the keyboard with ever-flowing ideas! If you get stuck in a writer’s block rut, try these five ways to kick writer’s block to the curb!
Clear the Virtual Clutter
Email pop-ups on your computer, phone notifications, phone calls and text messages all contribute to the exacerbation of writer’s block. Virtual clutter can be just as distracting as a messy desk piled with paper, post-it notes and coffee cups (which is helpful if cleared away as well). Put your phone on do not disturb mode. If you tend to check your phone often and you get easily distracted, it’s probably a good idea to remove your phone from your workspace into another room. You will be pleasantly surprised that when your phones and other distracting devices aren’t easily accessible to you, how you can quickly forget about them and focus on your writing. If you get email pop-ups while working on your computer, turn off the notifications or don’t open your email application until you are finished writing.
Take a Walk
If you are staring at your computer screen, watching the cursor blink or you are constantly editing your work as you write, it’s probably a good time to stop and take a walk. No matter what time of year it is, the fresh air can reinvigorate and be good for you! As you walk, don’t think about your writing so you can clear your mind. Stay in the moment and take in the sounds of the outdoors and get inspired! If you can leave your phone at home, do so. Having distractions while walking will defeat the purpose re-grouping and gaining balance. I like to take walks on the beach and collect shells. Looking for shells takes my mind off of writing, and I can remain entirely focused on finding treasures. When I return to my desk, I’m energized and ready to get back to writing!
Listen to Music
Some people like to have it completely quiet while they are writing, however, if you find that the words aren’t flowing, put on some instrumental music such as jazz, classical or meditation music. I personally like to have a fresh hot cup of tea next to me with my headphones in playing instrumental jazz. If listening to music while writing doesn’t suit you, then just take 10 to 15 minutes away from writing and listen to whatever motivates and revitalizes you. Even listening to nature sounds can clear writer’s block; for example, sounds of the ocean, birds chirping or running streams of water. There isn’t a genre of music or audio content that would be the wrong kind in clearing writer’s block. It’s entirely up to the individual, and it’s a personal choice in what works for them.
Read a Book
If you are overwhelmed and frozen with writer’s block that is hindering the content production that you desire, take some time to read a chapter or two from a book by your favorite author or an article from a blogger that you follow. Reading the work of other writers can prove to be very stimulating! Digesting another writer’s content and taking notice of their writing style can not only get your gears working again, but it can also inspire you to do your best work and bring out even more creativity from within you.
Color!
Coloring is probably one of my favorite ways to combat writer’s block. Not only does it reduce anxiety, relieve stress and increase my focus, but it’s also fun! I have used this method to get me out of my writer’s block rut on many occasions. Invest in an adult coloring book and a good set of colored pencils. Coloring certainly brings you back to childhood, and we all know how imaginative and creative children are. Picking colors that bring the coloring book pages to vibrant life is so therapeutic. After a coloring session, I feel so relaxed, and I’m ready to start writing again. I think once you try it, you will find this to be one of your favorite ways to overcome writer’s block as well!
What are some of the methods in which you use to clear your writer’s block? I would love to hear your tips and tricks to try them myself! If you would like more information about using social media and blogging for your business or personal endeavors, contact me or leave a comment below. I’m always happy to help!
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