Ever been in a situation where you sit down to write, yet to your surprise, your mind goes completely blank?
No matter what, you can’t think of the next sentence or word.
Well, you just met writer’s block.
Without any further delay, here are the surest ways to clear writer’s block and complete your assignment.
What Is Writer’s Block? What Causes It?
Before we dive into how to clear writer’s block, let’s first talk about what is writer’s block.
It is a stuck feeling, where a writer cannot come up with any new idea to continue writing or feels their new idea isn’t good enough.
The main reasons for writer’s block are self-doubt and monotony.
Self-doubt happens when a writer is not sure that their idea is worth sharing, or good enough, would be acceptable or not, etc.
Also, if they have been writing for too long, their brains get overtired and need a break from the monotony.
Different Ways To Clear Writer’s Block
1. Stop Writing
I know. This tip feels counterintuitive.
Maybe you’ve got a deadline too.
But you should know that a major reason for writer’s block is because probably your brain is overworked. Give it some rest mate!
Go out, and breathe in some fresh air.
Stand up and stretch your body.
Do some activity that isn’t writing. Maybe time to wash the dishes or clothes piled up. Listen to a favorite song. You can call a friend and have a light chat.
You can also continue writing in a different place, maybe with a different pen or different font (if you are typing).
Go eat something, maybe you are hungry or thirsty. Drinking coffee and eating dark chocolate are really good for focus and creativity.
Allow your mind to escape the boring monotony and let the creativity flow in.
2. Free Writing
It is a process where you keep writing for a given time, usually 10 minutes. Don’t stop in between to check for errors. Keep the flow.
You need not have any specific topic. Just keep writing what comes to your mind.
It might not be a perfect piece of writing, but this method will give you that much-needed writing flow back.
3. Continue Writing, But Take Up A Different Project
Maybe you can get over writer’s block by working on some other assignment. Maybe a different topic or maybe a different part (E.g., you can focus on the conclusion part if you feel stuck with the main body).
Then later, continue writing what you were.
This helps you gain focus by breaking the monotony.
4. Writing As A Habit
You naturally become good at what you do regularly. Therefore, make sure you take writing as a habit, rather than waiting for instantaneous and spontaneous creative bursts.
Regular writing not only improves your writing skills but also prevents you from more writing blocks in the long run.
Set writing as part of your daily routine. Choose a time for writing, when you are the most creative – whether you prefer early in the morning or late in the night.
Devote that time of your day only for writing. No distractions.
5. Read A Lot
This is obvious. If you want to write well, you should read enough.
It helps you gain knowledge, improves vocabulary and grammar, improves writing style, etc. It will also enhance your creativity.
Reading our favorite genre of stories will help us relieve any stress.
Hence, writer’s block caused due to lack of ideas or stress can be prevented by reading a lot.
6. Say No To Distractions
Keep the writing time exclusively for writing.
Turn off your phone or switch on the default focus mode. There are also productivity apps that help you remain focused.
Distractions keep you from moving forward with your writing, clouding your ideas, etc. So keep yourself away from all kinds of distractions
7. Using Writing Prompts
Writing Prompts are random topics, questions, or statements, from which you have to develop an article or story. It is the perfect way to practice your writing skills and let your creativity flow.
Plenty of writing prompts are available online.
You may not necessarily find prompts related to the topic you are working on but the prompts will help you get over writer’s block.
A prompt can be as easy as “Why did the chicken cross the road?”
8. Pomodoro Technique
The founder of this technique, Francesco Cirillo claims that a person is most productive for the first 25 minutes. Hence, while you are writing, write only for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break, and so on.
This will make sure your brain isn’t overworked to the point where you reach writer’s block.
9. Go Through Your Work
Next time you get writer’s block, stop trying to write and read what you have written till now.
Think of any changes. Or just take a moment to appreciate the good work you’ve done so far!)
10. Talk To Your Imaginary Friend
If you don’t have one, then it’s time to make one up!
Whenever writer’s block hits you, start talking and tell your ideas to him/her. This will help you get relieved and get you back that writing flow.
11. Meditate
Writer’s block may be occurring to you just because your mind isn’t calm and stable.
Practice meditation and mindfulness every day.
Obviously, this will help you cure writer’s block but will also improve your life in general.
12. How Is Your Workspace?
Is it dirty and untidy? Or neat and organized?
The way you keep your surroundings has a great impact on your mood, creativity, and hence your output.
Declutter your workspace. Keep it in order and clean. Keep only the things you need for writing nearby.
Use a room freshener or incense for a pleasant vibe. You can also play some white noise or focus music.
13. Professional Help
Maybe the topic you are working on is bit too complex or you are new to it.
In this case, you can consult professional paper writers for helping you finish writing the articles. Seeking help from experts will also help you know the ways of professional writers and will help you improve your writing.
Conclusion
Writer’s block is inevitable along your writing journey.
Trust me, even the most famous and influential writers suffer from writer’s block.
So don’t get disheartened.
Take it in a stride and try getting over it as quickly as possible. We hope these methods will help you a lot.
Good Luck! Keep writing better and better!
