Break Through the Writer's Block

There comes a time when the words just don't seem willing to leave your mind. It happens, and everyone goes through it at some point. So, my first recommendation is to relax and don't get down on yourself. I hope to help with some methods that have helped me through these frustrating writing moments. The following recommendations are the ones I use most often when my brains stops functioning correctly.

Sometimes all your mind needs is a little change, and its definitely an easy thing to do. Simply move your computer, notebook, or whatever your writhing with, into a new room. If you have an office, move to the kitchen. If you're in the kitchen, set up shop in the living room. All you need is a new setting, although I wouldn't recommend the bathroom. When all of your options at home have depleted get out of the house. Starbucks, Barnes and Noble, and a little coffee shop up the street from me have become some of my best friends. The environment is relaxing, there's usually free Internet, and most importantly it's somewhere new! You can even enjoy a delicious caffeine concoction while writing the remainder of your blog or post.

When you can't write then read. Words have a tendency to inspire writing, and may be useful for a writer's block. If you are writing something that requires evidence then read more about your topic. Researching more material may help break down the block, and at the very least give you more information for when your brain starts working again. Even small phrases found in my research create full strains of thought that I then can use. If you are writing something more related to a poem, short story, or novel, then read some of your favorite literature. If there's a certain poem or story that moves you then it might be useful to put down the pen and pick up the book. Writing begins with a spark of inspiration which, in many cases, can be found in the literature we read.

It's quite funny to me that one of my favorite ways to beat writer's block is by writing. Sometimes its great to sit back, forget about your writing goal, and just write about nothing. It can gibberish, a journal article, or just a continuous strand of thought. This method allows you to push through the block with written force and has worked for me on countless occasions. Much of my creative writing comes during the time where I'm writing just to write. So, use your block to write something that just comes to your head, and allow your brain to re-boost for when you return to your original goal.

Although I am fond of classical when I write, any kind of music may help you defeat writer's block. Music has a tendency to relax us even in the most stressful times and let's be honest, writer's block is stressful. There's nothing more frustrating when your mind refuses to go on, so turn up that music. If you have an iPod than iTunes is probably your thing, but if you want to spice it up a bit try Pandora or Spotify. Pandora, especially, has helped me create playlists that have destroyed some of my creative blocks. Music has the quality of changing mood as well, so when you write try to find something that is calming. That is unless you are writing something that requires much passion. If that's the case find a playlist that inspires that passion.

Now, if your like me and don't like running that's fine. Any type of exercise will work. Push-ups, sit-ups, and walks will all make the cut. It gets the body going (which includes the brain) and allows us to release the stress that mental-blocks create. For me at lease, the writing block continues because I'm frustrated and concentrate on the stress, so why not get rid of it by doing some activities. Exercise is known to release stress, and you can kill two birds with one stone: get rid of your writer's block and burn a few calories. Sounds like a win win to me!

If you are writing an article or blog post that is going to take more than just words on a paper then why not try to get something else done. By this I mean add photos and links to make your post more user friendly and informative. Research keywords that will enhance your SEO and start planning other ways to market your soon-to-be hub or post. This is part of the process so why not concentrate on the aspects that don't require as much thought, but are still important for making your piece as successful as possible.

I hope this was helpful to you. If you are caught in this tricky situation where you have everything to say but nothing to say it with, follow these suggestions. They might just help. If you want more methods that might work for you better then here are a few sources that may help. Good luck and happy writing!