If you are a writer, it is very likely that you have heard of this infamous plague on writers. You have undoubtedly had it yourself at some point in your journey. But what exactly is it? And how can you get rid of it?

What Is It?

Many people talk about writer’s block as if it is something mysterious. They would not say that in so many words, but it is often treated like a plague, a disease, something you cannot stop and cannot avoid. But there is a simpler explanation. Writer’s block is in three words, a tired brain. Your imagination is worn out, and your brain does not want to work on this thing any longer. And that’s okay. Being a writer does not mean you constantly have to write. There are ways to help writer’s block, and ways to prevent it from happening.

Tips For Helping Writer’s Block

Take A Break

A very easy step, this should be the first one you go to. If your brain is tired, it needs a rest. Walk away from your writing for the day, or even the rest of the week. It might seem like this is not going to help. If you’re like me, taking a break from the creative flow makes you less creative when you get back to it. But if you have no creative flow, backing away from it for a time might be the right choice.

Use A Notebook

If you think your brain can squeeze out some more creativity, changing your writing to a notebook might help. The computer is a quicker way to get down your ideas, but giving your brain a change of scene, a more relaxed position, might be the rest your brain needs.

Stay Off Your Computer

This also includes phones and other such things. It is possible that your brain and eyes are strained from the computer screen, and they need a rest from the blue light. For me, too much time spent on the computer sucks my energy and creativity. And this tip does not simply mean not writing on your computer, it means staying off of it, perhaps for the rest of the day, if that is possible. If not, step away from it for a few hours. Don’t look at your phone or tablet or laptop. Give it a break.

Read A Book

So far, this is the most effective for myself. Strangely enough, walking away from my writing to read someone else’s writing has helped me a great deal to get over writer’s block. And experiment with it! Read a story you’ve read a hundred times over and see what happens. Read a newer story, one you haven’t read as much. Read one you’ve never read before. Read one you despise! See how it affects your writing. Does it inspire you to write more like that author? Does it show you more of what you want? More of what you don’t want? Feel free to experiment and see what works for you.

Go Outside

Nature is one of the most wonderful things in our world. Unfortunately, it is one thing that many people seem to ignore. If you are experiencing writer’s block, go outside. Sit in the sun, watch the birds, look at the trees. Study nature. Look at the weeds. Have you ever realized just how many different plants there are in your front yard? If it’s night-time, look at the stars. Try to find the constellations. Is it raining? Be adventurous and get wet, and try not to get struck by lightning. Going out into nature and simply looking at it might help your brain. Going out into nature and studying it might give you the inspiration you need to keep writing.

Do Some Other Art

Drawing, poetry, painting, embroidery, coloring, and many other things like them are forms of art. And they do not have to be masterpieces. Do not obsess over the details, simply do it for fun. Art can be fun as well as intense and time-consuming. Do art for fun. Perhaps that is what you need to get back into your current story. Again, experiment. Does drawing give you one kind of inspiration for your story, while coloring or poetry gives you another? Have fun with these tips, and they might help even better!

Move!

Play! Sing! Act! Run! If you like to work out, do it. If you like hiking, do it. If you do not particularly like working out, be adventurous and do 10 pushups, and see how it affects you. Get your blood flowing, your heart pumping, your muscles working. It does not have to take much. Remember, writing is not you. You are you, your body is yours, and it needs stimulation and work as much as your creativity and brain does. Working your body can actually be the key to sparking creativity.

Tips For Preventing Writer’s Block

In truth, the way to prevent writer’s block is to do most of the above on a regular basis. Going outside, moving, reading other stories, doing other art, having fun, taking breaks from your computer, and having several writing mediums, not just computerized, are all ways to keep your brain energized while not overworked. Writing every day is a fine goal. That does not necessarily mean writing all day. There is a big difference between the two, and your brain and creativity know it.

Conclusion

Incorporating a variety of things into your life can help you with your writing. From moving, to reading, to just having fun away from a computer, a writer’s life can be full and wonderful, and does not have to be solely writing. In fact, a writer’s life focused solely on writing is dull and unsustainable.