A blank canvas, a cursor or an open notepad… For some it’s stimulating and exciting, for other’s it can be overwhelming and sometimes debilitating. I can admit that with the many ideas we have in our minds, sometimes the easiest way is to literally NOT do anything. The doubt in oneself can be more impactful than the creativity itself. But! There are ways to push past fears and worry and let the creative juices F-L-O-W!!
1- Tune It Up:
We don’t know about you, but when we need to focus, get in the zone or simply relax- music is LIFE! So, it’s no wonder one of the best suggestions to fight writer’s block is to listen to music. Just listening to some of your favourite tunes, relaxes you- thus allowing you to “think” more clearly. It helps to have playlists to suit ones needs; music which motivated you, music which gets you pumped or music to make you zen.
2- Have A Break:
Oh my brain…taking a break appeals to my inner procrastinator. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve needed to leave whatever it is I’m working on and watch t.v., get lost on Instagram, Pinterest ;), Word Cookie and the list goes on. Taking a break allows your brain to get away from the pressures and intensities of the task at hand. So don’t forget to take as many moments of downtime away from your stress to come back with a fresh perspective.
P.S. to all those music lovers out there, listening to music on your little break(s) goes a long way. It’s also a joyous distraction when you can jam in another world for a bit, if you know what I mean.
3- Have a Plan:
This past semester, one of my courses requires that I plan out ever step that I intend to make, prior to writing EVERY assignment. I’ll be honest with you, it’s a pain in the butt, but I’m finding that it does work. Planning out where I want my thought process to go, allows me the opportunity to say just about anything/everything that is in my head and organize it all, to fit what is required of me.
The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one. – Mark Twain
4- Read It Out Loud/Discuss:
Have you ever noticed that you read a and comprehend things much better when you read it out loud? I am coming to realize that my voice may just be the soothing sound that I’ve needed all these years, when I get writers block. But no, in all seriousness I tend to work more efficiently when I read out loud what I am working on. Even taking the time to read to someone else goes a long way.
5- Deadline Before The Deadline:
Deadlines. I know that they can be stressful in and of themselves. When it comes to my working thought process, giving myself a deadline a few days before my official deadline, allows me to track my progress. Without a post-deadline, you are more likely to be stressed out and your procrastination levels will be off the charts!
In the end, you need to find whatever method works best for you. Anyone could give you an A-Z description of what methods you “should ” use. Everyone is different and unique in their own ways, so don’t let me impede what works for you!
Feel free to share with us here in the comments, Facebook or Instagram of the methods that YOU use for your writers block.
Resource:
My Sister's Keeper: All things Life & Photography 