How to Overcome Writer's Block | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

How to Overcome Writer's Block

8 tips to stimulate creativity

16
How to Overcome Writer's Block
whiskeyriver soap

Ah, the overwhelming threat of writer's block: staring at an empty page on your computer screen.. not knowing what to write... and not knowing how to begin processing ideas. These can all seem a little daunting - especially if you have a deadline - whether it is a paper for class or simply writing a story. Writer's block is terrifying, I know, trust me. However, lucky for you, here are some tips for overcoming writer's block and getting back on track with your creative ideas. Let's get that paper in on time.

1. Listening to Music

This can help relax you and your mind. Take a 10-minute break listening to some tunes, this can let your mind wander and help form ideas.


2. Taking a Walk!

Taking a walk can be hella calming and helps get the blood flowing. Sometimes, you just need to get out of the place where you are writing and relax.


3. Lie Down, Close Your Eyes & Dim The Lights

I learned this technique in my Get To Know Your Characters course, which is a creative writing class I took in college which focused on psychodynamics. Basically, when you lie down and turn out the lights, it relaxes the boundaries between your conscious and your unconscious. Your conscious is very structured. Sometimes, it doesn't let the creativity come through. With your unconscious leaking into your conscious, your creativity begins to flow a little better.

4. Freewrite!

If you're having problems forming ideas in your head, try to write freely for 15 minutes or more. Write about anything, it can be as random as you like. This can help stimulate your mind when later refocusing on the topic at hand.`


5. Take A Nap.

Sometimes, when you're struggling to find a solution to your writing, taking a nap can do the same as lying down. Naps help loosen the barriers between the conscious and unconscious. Sleep is helpful to give your batteries a needed recharge, which can give you that boost you need.


6. Take a Shower.

Some of the best thinking and thoughts is done in the shower! I mean how can you go wrong, it's relaxing, and it clears and stimulates the mind as well as the body.

7. Daydream

Visualizing your options and ideas can help encourage your creativity, and can help make your daydreams into a reality. Visualizing is a great step that can help you get there.

8. Give yourself a pep talk.

Writer's block could be a product of fear, lack of motivation, or even the threat of not living up to expectations. You got to keep telling yourself you got this! You're an amazing writer/person who's unique and inherently creative. You can do anything you put your mind to, no matter how daunting the task. Don't let negativity get you down, you can get the job done! Happy writing!





Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Parks And Rec
NBC

Your professor mentions there's a test in a few days and you didn't know about it.

Keep Reading...Show less
Blair Waldorf

Resting b***h face. Defined as a person, usually a girl, who naturally looks mean when her face is expressionless, without meaning to. Many of you suffer from this "condition." You are commonly asked what's wrong, when nothing is. What people don't know is that is just your facial expression. Here are some things they wish you knew.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross geller
YouTube

As college students, we are all familiar with the horror show that is course registration week. Whether you are an incoming freshman or selecting classes for your last semester, I am certain that you can relate to how traumatic this can be.

1. When course schedules are released and you have a conflict between two required classes.

Bonus points if it is more than two.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

12 Things I Learned my Freshmen Year of College

When your capability of "adulting" is put to the test

5133
friends

Whether you're commuting or dorming, your first year of college is a huge adjustment. The transition from living with parents to being on my own was an experience I couldn't have even imagined- both a good and a bad thing. Here's a personal archive of a few of the things I learned after going away for the first time.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Economic Benefits of Higher Wages

Nobody deserves to be living in poverty.

303635
Illistrated image of people crowded with banners to support a cause
StableDiffusion

Raising the minimum wage to a livable wage would not only benefit workers and their families, it would also have positive impacts on the economy and society. Studies have shown that by increasing the minimum wage, poverty and inequality can be reduced by enabling workers to meet their basic needs and reducing income disparities.

I come from a low-income family. A family, like many others in the United States, which has lived paycheck to paycheck. My family and other families in my community have been trying to make ends meet by living on the minimum wage. We are proof that it doesn't work.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments