Writer’s block: Overcome foggy brain with 5 tips

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Creative persons know all too well how it feels to sit at a computer ready to type but with absolutely nothing coming to mind. Writer’s block is real and can be very annoying for those who are dependent on their writing capabilities to make an income.

This a serious problem because you may do unsatisfactory work while having a scattered brain just to make a submission or miss a deadline which can be displeasing to a publisher. Being affected by writer’s block can occur for a day, week, month or years.

If you experience writer’s block, it is probably because your life has changed somehow in comparison to the way it was when you were super creative. Some reasons for this are you may have stress, relationship problems, health issues, nothing interesting going on in your life, or fatigue.

Usually, the more you try to think about something to write, the worse it becomes. The best solution is for you to move away from the computer and get to the bottom of the problem. Here are 5 tips on how to overcome any underlying issues of writer’s block.

5 tips to deal with writer’s block

1. Get rest

Lack of sleep is one of the major reasons for poor performance. Even if you just woke up, attempt to write and your mind feels fuzzy, you probably need to go back to bed and get some quality sleep.

According to the Sleep Foundation, “Quality sleep is continuous. Sleeping straight through the night with minimal disruption is more restorative than having your night’s sleep interrupted frequently or for long periods of time.”

To get proper sleep, you can try strategies to relax your nerves. Do some deep breathing, go for a walk, take a warm bath, and read a book.

You may listen to a soothing genre of music, waterfall sounds, or

2. Reduce stress

If anything is going on in your life at the moment that makes you feel frustrated, angry or nervous, then you are most likely stressed out. According to Healthline, when the stress response keeps firing, day after day, it could put your health at serious risk.

The body experiences headaches, heartburn, increased depression, insomnia, rapid breathing, weakened immune system, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, pounding heart, low sexuality and dysfunction of the reproductive system.

Stress is the enemy of creativity. You will accomplish nothing if your thoughts are disturbed causing you to feel bothered, anxious, depressed and uninspired. Here are some ways for you to reduce stress.

You may confront the problem that is stressing you out and fix it. If it is not that simple then get things off of your chest by venting through writing on paper, speaking in a recorder, talking to a trustworthy person or visiting a therapist. Also, you may do something fun like dancing, going for a swim, playing sports, hiking or getting a massage.

3. Deal with distractions

It is very common for creative persons to stop performing at their best when they are distracted. You may get caught up in a new relationship enjoying the honeymoon phase with lots of freshness and passion.

Sometimes friends may be inviting you to go on a party spree taking up most of your time and energy. You may be distracted with your workload at school, doing home renovations, battling with health issues, or sorting out family problems.

These things are a part of life so if they are affecting your creativity and giving you writer’s block, then you need to manage how you handle them. There is no need to remove the distractions from your life.

It means that you have to organise them so that they do not affect your focus. Start by making a schedule for yourself, your loved ones and your projects. Let everyone know your plans and ask them to respect your schedule.

During your limited time allocated to spending time with family and friends, and working on projects, give them your all. People feel appreciated, projects develop gradually and your mind becomes clearer. When it is time to do your work, you should be free of distractions.

4. Exercise your mind and body

Exercise is the answer for almost every mental and physical problem that humans can encounter. Training the mind to focus and keeping the body in shape are effective ways to improve performance. This combination is practised by students, musicians, athletes, business persons, successful entrepreneurs, and anyone who understands the importance of having a healthy mind and body.

To exercise the mind, you may try saying affirmations while staying as still as possible. Think of a short positive statement like, “I am creative, my words flow easily and beautifully.”

Close your eyes and try to repeat the statement in your mind for 30 minutes to 1 hour straight. If your mind strays, notice the thoughts, let them go and continue saying your affirmation. Keep your body fit with a yoga pose like sun salutation, walking, jogging, running, aerobics, and strength exercises. A healthy mind and body will help you to focus and be as creative as you would like to be.

5. Find inspiration to solve writer’s block

If you do not feel inspired lately, it is probably because you have nothing new going on in your life. Inspiration usually comes from emotions that manifest out of experiences.

Songwriters, poets and authors express feelings of love, passion, happiness, sadness, hurt, disgust, rejection and fear while going through experiences that cause the emotions.

An easy way to become inspired and give yourself new ideas is through reading books. Download a reading app and start enjoying novels written by authors with numerous experiences that will offer you fresh perspectives on life.

You may get involved in new activities that allow you to interact with people either online like video games and social media groups, or in person like joining the gym, playing sports or being part of a charitable cause.

Also, travelling around your country or the world is a very effective way to find inspiration. These suggestions will help you to get rid of writer’s block and be creative.

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