It doesn’t matter what it is—a reflection, summary, short story, poem, or research paper—writing is a long, complicated process.

There have been so many times where I have been at a loss of words. I sit at my computer and stare for hours and have nothing. I know what I want to say, I just cannot seem to make the connection between my brain and my hands to type it all out. Sound familiar?

Let's be real...it’s a struggle to write anything!

Here are 10 ways not to entertain the writer’s block party!

1. Shut it Down:

Shut down the laptop and walk away. When you cannot think of anything to say, the best thing to do it shut it down and move on to something else.

2. Go for a Walk:

That’s right…get up and move! Stop what you are doing and leave. Sometimes we need to just shake it off for a bit and take a walk outside or maybe to the fridge!

3. Eat Food:

I’m thinking something light and full of brain power. There are times where we are unable to write anything because our brains are too focused on the fact that we skipped lunch. Be sure to give your body what it needs to stay focused!

4. Drink Water:

I know, I know. The doctor said to drink 8 glasses of water a day, but for real…don’t dehydrate yourself! DRINK THAT WATER!

5. Nap:

Yes, I said it! I give you permission to nap! Sometimes a quick 20-minute snooze is enough to inspire our thoughts and give us what we need to write.

6. Free Write:

This is something I do often. Whenever I feel like I don’t know where to start, I just write about whatever is on my mind. It helps clear my thoughts and I just might find something useful to use in my papers!

7. Time Yourself:

Take out that stopwatch, set it for 20 minutes, and see what you’re able to accomplish! If you’re any sorts of competitive, you will push yourself to complete a task in the allotted time frame.

8. Talk It Out:

Record yourself or pay a friend to listen to your thoughts. Talking and writing are the same—they’re thoughts, ideas, and beliefs. It helps to get your ideas out in the air, and if you have a really nice friend, they might be that spark you needed to get started.

9. Headphones and a Killer Playlist:

Noise cancelling headphones are the best! They block out the obnoxious arguments of people who have no respect for a profound writer like you. But seriously, some headphones and a killer playlist often get people in the zone and ready to go.

10. Change of Environment:

I cannot tell you the amount of times I have gotten up and left a Starbucks to go to another one right down the road. Sometimes it’s your environment that kills your mojo and knowing where it’s time to leave, could save you a couple of waster hours just staring at the barista.