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8 Surefire Ways to Break Writer’s Block

There’s nothing more frustrating to a writer than writer’s block. You strain your brain to make something happen, but nothing comes out. You’re out of ideas. And it seems like there’s nothing you can do to fix the situation.

Sometimes the words just won’t come, and staring at a blank page just makes you more frustrated. Don’t throw your hands up in surrender. Here are eight easy ways to break down the wall of writer’s block and find your voice again.

Take a Break

Sometimes overworking your brain can make it just shut down. Surf the internet. Watch your favorite show. Take a nap. Anything to give your mind a little break. You could even try relaxing yourself through meditation. Find a quiet place in your home or office and do some deep breathing exercises. The less pressure and stress you put on the brain, the more your mind can get creative.

Listen to Music

A good way to relax yourself is to listen to music. Pick songs that are low-key and filled with meaningful lyrics. Listen to the lyrics and see if any ideas start flowing. If you think more upbeat, energetic music will inspire you to write, blast some of that — but use headphones if you share an office! Music stimulates the brain, and gets the creative juices flowing again.

Brainstorm

Sometimes, constructing an entire sentence, paragraph, or page in your head can be overwhelming. Start small. Write down a random word or thought. Then, start writing every word or phrase that comes to mind when you look at that word. This exercise will not only jog the brain, but — if you keep yourself loosely focused on the topic at hand — it can produce some solid ideas.

Have a Snack

Sometimes writer’s block is caused by something as simple as the brain not having enough nutrients to function correctly. Make sure you’re properly fed when you sit down to write. If you find your stomach rumbling while you’re hard at work, try making yourself a snack that combines carbs and protein. Carbs will give you the initial jolt your brain needs, while the proteins will help you maintain that energy throughout the day.