You see the blank paper or the empty, white computer screen and the frustration sets in. You want to write but you can't. Your mind draws a blank or your mind is racing at a mile a minute that you just don't have the stamina to write anything down. We all know this culprit known as writer's block and of course we have seen countless articles telling us how we can combat that. We are plagued with the exhaustion and confusion on wanting to write but our minds are just not exactly there to help us get what we need done. Whether it's academics or leisure, we go through this time and again and we wind up going back again to find our out-of-reach inspiration. What if we just need to do the polar opposite for a change? What if we just need to blow off some steam in another way in order for inspiration to come to us? Sometimes, the brain needs something to throw it off to help the inspiration come rushing on in. We just need a slight change in tactics.
1. Watch your favorite television (or Netflix or Hulu) Series.
If you're not in a time bind, sit back, relax, and watch a favorite show. Maybe your inspiration is just hidden in one of those episodes just waiting for you to find it.
2. Go outside and enjoy the fresh air.
Picture it: It's a beautiful, warm, sunny day and you're outside sitting underneath a tree. Don't bother bringing that laptop or that notebook either. Just bring yourself and take a deep breath. Let nature surround you with its wonder. Who knows, the winds of change could bring you an inspiring thought that kick starts your writing again.
3. Exercise to Just Dance.
You want to get those creative juices flowing again? Try out dancing to your favorite song to get that heart pumping and that blood flowing. Maybe that will help wake up those neurotransmitters to help you get right back to work on that project. If you don't have a video game console, there's always YouTube.
4. Do other homework
Sure, you want to get this paper done as soon as you can. At times, doing other homework can help bring upon an idea or at least will help bring some organization to your hectic thoughts.
5. Play a video game.
Whether you're an old school gamer, a Pokémon or Halo fanatic, just pick up that game remote or hand-held device and get on it. Playing video games will help keep your mind off the stress of writer's block and less stress is what you need before you can get to writing.
6. Listen to the Animal Crossing Hourly Playlists on YouTube.
For those who have once played or are still playing Animal Crossing, you will know that in the game there is a continuous song on repeat for a whole hour and then it changes each hour, for 24 hours. My personal favorite is the Animal Crossing: Population Growing hourly songs. Video game ambiance can set the mood.
7. Watch interviews on your favorite artist or band.
We all need a little inspiration from people we enjoy listening to. Instead of listening to their music, why not watch their interviews? They may have some words of wisdom that could inspire you.
8. Call up a friend and ask them how their day was.
This may sound strange, especially if you have friends that you see every day or talk to everyday, but our inspiration can come from those we surround ourselves with. Who knows, maybe that story about your friend getting drunk and losing their shoe can help you write that article about why Yeezys are terribly overpriced.
9. Look up some random posts on Reddit.
Ah, Reddit, a place where stories and posts are shared every day. Just feel free to sit there for a moment and let the stories of Reddit fill your mind and take you out of your own shoes for a moment. No, don't go snooping into the writer's block tag either, I mean, really, really go and look for strange stories or stories that interest you in the moment. It will be worth your while.
10. Sleep on it, with a notebook under your pillow.
Most times, we really do just need to sleep on it, but, slide a notebook under your pillow. However, inspiration can enter our dreams as long as we try not to think about it so much. Instead, visualize what is in the notebook and not about you actually writing it.
Hopefully these whacky and wild tips can help you fellow writers get back on your feet. Our brains just need a little stimulation to get back up on its feet. If you have tips that you would like to share, feel free to leave them below in the comments!
