Five Ways to Kick Writer’s Block and Get Inspired

Every writer has been there: staring at a blank screen, waiting for the words to arrive. But they don’t. The words just won’t come. They will, soon. Tick-tock, tick-tock. Time’s passing and the words still don’t come. Maybe they never will. You sit there feeling frustrated and uninspired. What’s a writer to do?

Fighting writer’s block is easier than it seems. But sitting there staring at the blank page will only build tension, and continue to hinder your creativity by reinforcing the blockage that you’re experiencing. The trick to combating writer’s block is to remove yourself from your writing for a short time and get that creative energy flowing again. Fifteen to thirty ought to do it.

Eliminating Writer’s Block

The most important thing is to move your body, which will bring on relaxation and relieve tension. Or do something that gets your mind completely off whatever you’re working on by mentally diving into something different for awhile. Close your notebook and put it away, or stand up and walk away from your computer. Here are five writing tips for non-writing activities that you can do:

1. Exercise. Take your dog for a short walk, or run through some simple stretches or yoga poses. Moving the body gets blood flowing and when blood flows to the brain, you become more productive and more receptive to your inner muse.
2. Chores. This is a great time to do the dishes. Fold that load of laundry that’s been sitting on the couch for a couple of days. It’s not spring cleaning, just a little daily maintenance that will get your body moving and your mind focused.
3. People. We all have phone calls to make, emails to send, and letters to open. Okay, maybe there aren’t many letters to open, just bills and junk mail. But you can take this time to get in touch with friends and family. You’ll be pleasantly surprised when you hang up the phone or click send and suddenly you know exactly what you want to write.
4. Animals. Take some time to play fetch with your dog or toss around the mouse toy for your cat. How long has it been since you gave them a good brushing? Spending quality time with pets has been scientifically proven to have health and relaxation benefits for both you and them, and you’ll find that it does wonders for your writing as well!
5. Meditate. Meditation serves many purposes. It puts us in touch with our higher power, our inner being, and does wonders for clearing and cleansing the mind. Even a brief ten or fifteen minute meditation will ease the burden of writer’s block and inspiration will come to you in no time!

Good luck and let me know if any of these writing tips work for you by leaving a comment!

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