As I was brainstorming ideas on what to write for my next article, I was hit with the worst wave of writer's block. I tried everything, until I finally came to the conclusion that I wanted to write about, you guessed it, writer's block.
As someone who has written for countless publications, has had her work published on multiple platforms, operated her own blog, and writes essays frequently, I get writer's block more than people would ever expect. It does not really matter how much you write, or how good you are at it. Writer's block is inevitable, and most people believe it is incurable. There is not a more frustrating feeling than staring at a blank screen with a completely empty head and no direction whatsoever. Here are 10 things I would advise you to try if you ever come across writer's block.
1. Go outside
Take a walk, go hiking, sit outside and feel the breeze on your skin. Get inspired by what's around you. Our world is so vast, so big, and the opportunities for inspiration are endless.
2. Have a conversation
It could be with anyone. We get motivated by having different conversations with different types of people. It could be any topic (there are hundreds). It could be a conversation with someone across the world, or someone sitting right next to you.
3. Listen to music
Honestly, my solution to all my problems is listening to music. I would be nowhere without it.
4. Dance
This pretty much goes hand in hand with "listening to music," it's the one sure way I can clear my head.
5. Take a nap
Nothing clears my head more than taking a nap. If only I could nap more often.
6. Read books and articles
What inspires us the most is seeing how other people write. We get ideas, thoughts, and points of view that we did not have before.
7. Eat
Sometimes eating can revive our senses in ways we never thought possible. The healthier you eat, the clearer your mind.
8. Clean, do your laundry
I think what constitutes being a "real life adult" to me (which, I do not think I'm there) is actually using cleaning as a method to clear my head and come to my senses. If my environment is clean, I become much more organized and methodical in my thinking.
9. Wake up at sunrise
Early mornings are the most peaceful times in the entire day, and with peace comes a clear head. No distractions and no noisy thoughts. Just you and your writing.
10. People watch
More than often we have writer's block because we cannot think of a topic to talk about, or we are unsure how to begin talking about said topic. Watching others go about their lives can help bring clarity to our minds.
