Viral Now - 6 Ways to Crush Writer’s Block
Every writer knows that at some point they will stare at their computer and wonder what to put on the page. Even high-school students get writer’s block when they have an essay assignment due but have trouble thinking of what should be written.
Unless writers move past the blockage quickly, they could miss deadlines or become stressed, which will lead to heart issues. Here are some tips you can try to crush writer’s block and get back to writing that paper.
1. Brainstorm
Often, the problem is not knowing a good idea. To solve this problem, writers can open a new document and throw anything on the page whether it relates to the assignment or not. Brainstorming ideas can get your creative juices flowing by allowing your brain to relax. You should keep adding to the list until you find the idea that works the best for your paper, article, blog or marketing. The process also might give you ideas for other projects as well or help you solve a problem you might be having.
2. Exercise
Taking a break from writing to walk for 20 minutes or visiting the health club does two things. First, you are not worried about work or stressed. Second, you are doing something positive for your health, which also will reduce your stress. After a good exercise routine, you are ready to sit at your computer again. You will be able to write again. Sometimes, fatigue interferes with our thought processes. Exercising gives us more energy and eliminates fatigue.
3. Do something else
If you are stuck on a project and have no idea what to do, try moving to another project? When you switch projects or try something simple, your brain has to revamp how it operates. This will get a project done that would have been in jeopardy if you let the writer’s block continue. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment that you achieved something on your To-Do List or reached your goal. Then, you go back to the project causing the writer’s block, you will be more inspired to finish and ideas tend to flow.
4. Take a break
Besides exercising, you can take a break and do something you enjoy. You can read, watch television, listen to music or whatever interests you. Taking a break from the assignment will help you relax and not feel the pressure, which can cause the block to become worse. After a long enough break, you can go back to your computer and attempt the project again. You also might want to go out the door and do something, such as visit a store or public building. The drive to and from the location can lull your brain enough for you to think of a way through the document.
5. Bounce a ball
It might sound crazy, but it works. Bouncing a tennis ball or rubber ball against a wall or floor can release your writer’s block. The muscle movements and repetition of bouncing a ball allows your brain to switch gears. Your senses are dulled, and you can begin to visualize how the page should look. You get ideas to write.
6. Think hard
If the deadline is near, you might not be able to do any of the above ideas. Therefore, you will have to think hard for a solution to your problem. While this is not as effective as some of the other techniques, it does work. Ask yourself, “How can I solve this problem?” or “What do I want my readers to know?” Answers will begin to fill your brain. Even students can use this technique. For example, a high school sophomore had a history paper to write about the French Revolution. Asking her to describe the topic for the essay, she was able to begin thinking about the problem. Asking her other questions eventually found the points she wanted to cover in the paper.
As you can see, writer’s block happens all the time, but how you deal with your writer’s block is important. You don’t want it control you or make you miss your deadlines or due dates. Take time to figure out how to break the block will pay off in the long run.
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