Many of us who pursue creative endeavours experience blocks, inhibiting us in the direction of effective expression. This is normal. These episodes can become frustrating, especially when you don’t have a toolbox for management. Here we will share some tools that can help with that, particularly in the realm of ‘writer’s block’ – staring blankly at the screen, feeling stuck and not knowing how or what to write. However it manifests for you, give these a go when you feel stuck.
Firstly, it is helpful to know where writer’s block comes from. It tends to stem from – apathy, anger, anxiety or stress, or issues with others. Manifestations of these include feeling constrained by the ‘rules’ of writing, the concern of your work not being noticed, being good enough or valued, and comparative thinking related to other writers, pieces of work, and even your own work! Then there’s also health related triggers that may contribute, such as fatigue, pain, dehydration and hunger, which is also a very good place to start especially if you aren’t really sure ‘why’ you are feeling the way you are.
Eat something! When was the last time you ate? What was it? How much have you eaten? A well balanced, healthy diet contributes significantly to our ability to focus and boosts our mood, leading to the increased ability and interest to be creative!
Drink water! Put a bottle of water where you can see it – whatever it is, ensure you continue drinking water. Dehydration can massively impact your ability to focus and can create feelings of lethargy. It also helps flush out toxins which is important if you are spending a lot of time sitting.
Which leads us to get moving! Whether it be standing up, stretching, going for a quick walk around the house or doing a proper work out, keep your body moving! It’s amazing what just a bit of movement can do for your brain and your body.
Take a breath – Take a deep breath or three! Sometimes reminding yourself of your breath can help you regain a sense of control and presence. It also does wonders to decrease stress and anxiety by calming down your physiological responses. When your physiological state is not calm, it triggers your brain to go offline. Once calmed, your brain can jump back online again. You can also incorporate meditation into your daily routine to help with maintaining general self-awareness. You can view some of the top recommended meditative apps here. Grabbing a cold drink or splashing cold water over you face will also create a similar effect. You can view more physiological management methods here.
Step away and take a break – stepping away allows your brain to reset, your eyes to rest, and when you come back, you will be able to view your work with fresh eyes. Integrate this with the approach of seeing your work like you’ve never read it before.
Reduce any external stressors – your environment and other tasks and people can contribute to your ability to focus. Creative energy works best in a relaxed state.
Change it up! Set up somewhere else, go to a coffee shop, library or out in the park, or change things in your usual set up like the chair you sit in. Change your approach, like spending a day not actively working on it and bringing a notepad so you can write down any ideas that pop up. Read a different genre or change your routine! Change can create different pathways in your brain which can prompt new ideas and different perspectives.
The above are some good starters for setting you in the direction of getting your creative juices flowing. Remember it is normal to have a block. The important thing is to be patient and kind with yourself.
