How to Cure Writer’s Block 101

Okay, there’s no actual ‘cure’ for writer’s block. There’s no magical pill you can take to make it go away. But for every person that has ever had to write an essay, turn in a report, or write a blog, the cloudy funk of not knowing how to start a paper is all too familiar.

Every writer struggles with writer’s block from time to time. Before you call it a day and shut down that Word document, know that it is what you do with it that is the key to success. First, let’s dive deeper into what actually causes it.

Why Writer’s Block Happens

Everyone works differently, so some reasons may vary. But some of the most common causes of drawing a blank when writing can happen when:

• Timing Isn’t Right – It’s not the best moment to write. Your ideas and thoughts may need to simmer for a while longer before they’re recorded.
• Fear – Fear is a common problem among writers. Some people are afraid to put their ideas (and themselves) out in the open for everyone to see and criticize. Fear is one of the most common reasons that writers do not achieve their goals.
• Being a Perfectionist – Before you ever put pen to paper or touch a keyboard, you want everything to be just right. You strive to achieve perfection in your mind and never do so, hence never beginning.
• Self-Criticism – We judge our own work the most. Being self-critical is a frequent barrier to productive writing for many. Most writers compare their work to others that are better or more successful writers. Sometimes, we even try to compete with our own previous work. This can eventually develop into a vicious cycle that drowns our perspective in a realistic light. This is never good!

Tips to Overcome Writer’s Block

All is not lost. Here are a few helpful tips you can try the next time you find yourself staring at a blank screen. The trick is discovering the tactics that work the best for you.

• Remove all distractions – Turn off all phone notifications and close all unnecessary windows in your browser. The more you can focus on the task at hand, the better.
• Go for a walk – This is one of the best ways to clear your head and get some inspiration. Sometimes all you need is to get the body moving. Physical exercise is one of the most effective methods to overcome writer’s block. Stress, focus, productivity, and memory have all been shown to improve from exercise.
• Play – That’s right. Grab a board game, shuffle a deck of cards or try to solve a crossword puzzle. This will let your creativity flow freely, just like when you were a kid.
• Change your environment – Sometimes just a change in an environment can do wonders for the mind. A change of scenery can clear the mind and encourage new ideas to come. Try working from a library, a park, or a local coffee shop
• Read – Being a writer, it can be invigorating to read something that has nothing to do with what we’re actually working on. Pick up a book on something interesting to you, read an online blog, skim through a magazine or take a look at current events in a newspaper.
• Free-write – That old tactic can actually work; try typing “I don’t know what to write” over and over again until more thoughts come to mind. This is a great way to begin a piece.
• Listen to music – There have been studies done that prove classical music expands the cranium. It is very soothing and helps to relax the mind. If classical isn’t your favorite music genre, anything you enjoy listening to will work.
• Drink a coffee – The aromatic smell of a cup of joe can stimulate the senses, encouraging the mind to think. Plus, a little coffee break never hurt anyone.
• Start a morning routine – Productive writing comes from a productive routine. Many successful writers have routines in the AM that they stick to religiously. Try waking up at a certain time, practicing yoga, exercising, meditating, journaling, or anything else that helps you get balanced, relaxed and ready for the day.
• Hang out with a friend – Spend some quality time with someone who makes you feel good. If that isn’t possible, pick up the phone and call an old buddy. We even have the power to use modern technology and schedule a Zoom call or FaceTime a loved one.
• Brainstorm ideas in bullet points – This can actually be one of the strategies that can get you writing fast. Organize your thoughts to see all the writing points you want to mention. It will be easier to make sense of what you are trying to say.
• Get inspired – Search for and read inspiring quotes to help you begin. Reading positive messages and snippets from others can spark an idea and help the writing process flow.
• Write out of order – At times, it can be easy to write the middle of a piece versus creating it from beginning to end. We can work on an idea that is the root of the thesis. The rest usually comes afterward.

The One Thing Every Writer Needs to Do

Finally, the only thing that will truly help you overcome writer’s block is to begin writing. So give one of these suggestions a try to get your creative juices flowing again, clear your head, get some rest and refocus. Then sit down at your desk or wherever your favorite place to write is and let the words flow out of you. You can do this!