Get Rid of Writer’s Block and Regain Your Creative Edge
Many things can cause writer’s block and often the solution is so easy we don’t even notice it. Below are a few commonsense ways to get back in the writer’s seat.
When you are expected to deliver a steady stream of publications, there are times when you find your cognitive gears are uncooperative. Below is a short list of quick and easy tips that can kick-start your creativity and get your writing back on track again.
by Seth W.
Clean up your act. The most common reason for brain clutter is caused from environmental clutter. Organizing your desk and the room around you can do wonders for your mind. Do away with piles of paper, books, and any other disorder within your writing space. Turn on a lamp or open the curtains to let in the light and if you haven’t already, try to determine what is the best time of day for you to write. For instance, if you are writing in the morning when you have errands, housework, or other distracting activities on your mind, you may want to think about changing your writing time to later in the day when you can relax knowing there is nothing pressing to cause interruptions.
Plan your approach. If clutter isn’t your problem, maybe you need to re-think the strategy in which you approach your work. Have a clear idea of what you want to write about. If you don’t have a plan, ideas run around in your mind causing confusion and uncertainty. Once you are sure of your intentions, it will leave room for more productive thoughts.
Keep your research information in a separate file. Having to look through your hard drive or small scraps of paper can be distressing.
Walk it off. Exercise reduces stress and is the best way I have found to clear my mind. When you are stressed, your breathing becomes short and shallow limiting the amount of oxygen to your brain. A short brisk walk will increase blood oxygen levels and will relax your muscles and clear your mind.
Stay hydrated. Tests proved that close to 75% of all Americans are unknowingly dehydrated. Tests confirmed that dehydration causes brain fog, forgetfulness, sleepiness, muscle cramps, and poor concentration. Is it any wonder we become confused!
Add a little spice to your life. The scent of cinnamon can relax your mind and body. One test showed that cinnamon actually raised the scores of participants by improving attention related tasks, memory, virtual recognition, and visual motor speed.
Just start writing. Begin by writing random thoughts. Don’t worry about spelling, punctuation, if it makes sense, or if it is well written. Get your words on paper and worry about editing later. At some point your words will start to come together.
Never be discouraged if you hit a dysfunctional period. All writers have them. Instead, try to consider writer’s block as a challenge. It is only temporary and you will overcome it.
by Italian voice
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June 24th, 2011 at 8:59 pm
It happened to me too when my brother passed away. When I wrote about it a few months after, tears were rolling down my cheeks, but I know I had to write it. My mom though couldn’t read it yet. Very good tips, thanks Darlene.
June 25th, 2011 at 6:44 am
A very well written guide to writing block. I usually just listen to the news and it instills some subject to write about. Keep writing. Thanks.
June 25th, 2011 at 7:55 am
Some very good ideas, when I get stuck for ideas I do one of two things, focus on the money i’m losing, or change gear, as in move from my “at home” topics into something else. I just need to spend 3-5 minutes on a news website to get inspiration for something!
June 27th, 2011 at 6:24 pm
Walking helps me.
June 27th, 2011 at 9:37 pm
wonderful tips to get rid of writer’s block, Darlene. I will get immersed in other responsibilities till I get the mood and ideas to write.I watch television, walk along the beach, listen to soft music and meet my close friends in person and play with small children.
June 28th, 2011 at 2:10 am
nice advice…you’ll never run out of idea if you’ll follow these…
June 28th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
Lots of great advice here, Darlene! Thanks for sharing! I wouldn’t recommend anyone try what I did for writer’s block…I just quit writing for a year or so…bad idea, now I really “feel full”.
June 29th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
I quit writing two years ago, Nick. I have no reason why, it just seemed to happen.
Glad you are back on track.
June 29th, 2011 at 10:06 pm
beauley, Spencer, sharifaMcFarlane, vijayanths, nobert, these are all good ideas and I tried some of them during my block. What once helped me only worked until I sat down at the computer and readied myself to type. Suddenly it would be gone. I am back at it and for that I am very grateful.
Thank you everyone for your comments.
July 1st, 2011 at 4:30 pm
Lovely article! Well written and right on the money! Thank you!
July 2nd, 2011 at 11:51 am
Really enjoyed this article . . . I’ll be checking out more of your pieces in the future. Thanks for the suggestions.
July 4th, 2011 at 7:21 am
This is a great article
July 4th, 2011 at 9:10 pm
Darlene, I could use some help with the clutter part but have never been short on ideas – just time.
July 5th, 2011 at 4:16 pm
Great article! I really liked your points as I’ve experienced they really work. I like to use the “walk it off” and “just start writing” points. They just work for me.
Thanks for the reminder.
Best regards,
BluSphere
July 6th, 2011 at 5:43 pm
This is wonderful advice. I need to try that whenever I feel like I am going through writer’s block. Thank you for sharing.
July 7th, 2011 at 10:45 pm
nice article
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July 8th, 2011 at 1:35 pm
Interesting tips – thank you!
July 11th, 2011 at 3:43 am
I will definitely follow this advises. Thank you, Darlene!
July 12th, 2011 at 9:14 pm
Very great information, thank-you. I had a very bad case of writers block here on Triond and hope to submit an article soon for the sake of my readers.
July 13th, 2011 at 6:34 pm
You are right.I am also happy.
July 26th, 2011 at 11:35 am
Thanks for those good tips.
August 24th, 2011 at 6:45 pm
Thank You for the incentive information…
November 6th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Hello. Thankyou for the very interesting and informative article. Am very interested in your writing. Please reply to the writing proposal I sent you and I hope you take my offer in consderation. I am a big fan of your articles and hope to someday follow in your footpath. Talk soon and take care.
November 19th, 2011 at 2:02 am
Hey I have added you as a friend and I hope you will do the same. I will read your articles and comment on them, I hope you will do the same in return as Triond success is determined by support from fellow writers.
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