3 tips for writer’s block.
As we enter spring and get ready for summer I assume it’s safe to say that most people have abandoned their New Year’s resolutions. No judgement here though, admittedly I’ve kept a few but abandoned some myself!
One of my biggest goals that I’ve been trying to keep this year is to post weekly. Not just for new content but also as a way to keep writing and be continuously creative. The more I write the more inspired I feel and in turn the more pieces I finish. But with an unexpectedly jam-packed work schedule these last few months, my personal writing has been put on the back burner.
And to be honest, I didn’t want to write today. But I did it anyway because I knew I’d be happier if I pushed through. It’s important to me to keep my promises, even to myself!
If you’re a writer like me, or you’re just feeling unmotivated to keep up with your goals, I thought I’d share the things I do to help with writer’s block or when I’m feeling completely uninspired to write. I hope they’ll encourage you to keep at it!
Go for a walk
I wouldn’t say this list is in any particular order but I find myself choosing this option most frequently. I find it to be a great way to clear my head and get into my body. The movement allows my subconscious mind to take the lead and work out any writing trouble I’m having while I focus on the fresh air and sunshine.
It also works as a walking meditation of sorts. Writing can use up a lot of brain power so when I’m especially fried it’s nice to disconnect and let my mind wander.
Procrastinate productively
I read this one in an article somewhere a long time ago and it always stuck with me. Whenever I find myself blocked and looking for a reason to procrastinate, I let myself procrastinate… productively. What do I mean by this?
Instead of choosing distractions that are totally unrelated to what you’re working on, pick something that will help you in the long run. An activity that still engages you like reading a book, listening to a podcast or watching an informative YouTube video. Something that will further your knowledge in a certain subject that interests you or gives you a chance to learn something new entirely!
When you’re having a block it can be so easy to just check out and choose to scroll mindlessly through social media. But that’s not beneficial to you or your writing. I like to keep this tip top of mind when I’m having a particularly tough time writing. Not only has it helped me move past the block but I’ve found inspiration for other projects!
Give yourself permission
When all else fails, I turn off spellcheck and give myself permission to write something bad. Some times I laugh at what garbage has just come out but most of the time I find a little nugget I can work with and build upon.
It can be so easy to put pressure on ourselves to “write some thing good” but that really just strengthens the block. So do yourself a favour and worry about editing, spelling, flow etc. later. You’ll get to that stuff eventually. For now, allow yourself to write whatever comes to mind because it’s easier to edit something terrible than to stare at a blank page.
Bonus: Go get inspired
You can’t write (or do anything) well if you’re at your computer all day every day. It’s important to take time out of your schedule to live your life and gain some experiences you can draw from later on. So venture out into the world, take in new kinds of art, observe your environment and be sure to take notes. You never know what bits of inspiration will help you later on.
