8 Ways to Overcome Writer’s Block

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There it is again — the brick wall we can’t knock down. Mental block happens when we’re exhausted, when we’re at a dead end, when we’re stuck. Don’t panic! A simple refresher on overcoming writer’s block is all that’s needed.

My work involves a lot of writing. The following tips work great for me. Here are eight ideas to help you overcome writer’s block. Hope this helps get your creative juices flowing too!

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Oooh! I just thought of something!

1. Take a shower. Water helps cleanse the mind. Being physically refreshed may help shake off that rut you are in. I find that some great ideas come to me while I’m showering. Maybe it’s because I’m not thinking of anything else, just enjoying the water, and then boom! Perhaps the best ideas come when we’re not thinking about them. Ideas can be sneaky!

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Walk and look around.

2. Take a walk. Go for a stroll around the neighborhood. Keep the senses open to what you’re experiencing. Perhaps something will strike your attention and inspire you. Sometimes all you need is fresh air too.

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Zzz…

3. Nap. Rest those eyes, rest that brain. RECHARGE.

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Seek inspiration from others!

4. Brainstorm. Two heads are better than one — sometimes. With cases of mental block, having a chat with someone else can help get those juices a-flowin’ again.

picjumbo.com_HNCK4046Ideas, ideas, ideas. Image from Picjumbo.

5. Refer to your Idea Journal. This assumes you have one. If you don’t have one, create one! An Idea Journal is precisely that — a collection of random thoughts and ideas you may have. Jot down stories, quotes. Doodle. Cut out images from magazines and paste them into this notebook. When you’re stumped, go through this journal. I carry mine everywhere I go!

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Go play!

6. Do something else! Finish your chores. Play a Facebook game. Play with the baby. Read a book. Feed the dog. Do cartwheels. Run naked through the woods. Okay maybe not that last one. Just get away from wherever you are and do something else. Forget about that piece you can’t finish and just put your mind someplace else. Go back to your piece later.

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Come on, feel the noise…

7. Listen to music. Put on some songs, close your eyes, and let your thoughts get lost in the music. I find that alternative rock (specifically from the ’90s) helps me write better at work, and classical music helps with my creative pieces. Finding out what specific genre helps you makes for a fun experiment.

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Write elsewhere.

8. Change your writing environment. Getting away from your computer can help get rid of writer’s rut but so can changing your location. New places can provide fresh perspectives. Quiet mornings at a coffee shop near my office works for me.

How do you get rid of writer’s block? Share your tips and tricks!

(This first appeared on What’s Your Story on 4/22/2010)

5 Comments on 8 Ways to Overcome Writer’s Block

    • Toni
      April 14, 2015 at 8:04 pm (9 years ago)

      Oooh good for you! Ako naman I write better at midnight onward! :)

      Reply
  1. Maggie
    April 10, 2015 at 4:25 pm (9 years ago)

    An Idea Journal! That’s what I need! I would love to regularly update my blog and hopefully have it revamped soon. :) Oh and nothing beats 90’s alternative music. :)
    Maggie´s last blog post ..The School Year That Was

    Reply
    • Toni
      April 14, 2015 at 8:03 pm (9 years ago)

      Yey! I support that idea journal! Get a notebook that you absolutely love. It compels you more to write! And yey for 90s alternative music. Rock on. Hehehe.

      Reply
  2. Cham
    April 15, 2015 at 6:51 pm (9 years ago)

    Hi Ate Toni! I suddenly missed blogging when I visited your blog today… And behold! Your tips are applicable for any job, even if it’s not writing! Weee!

    Reply

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