This article goes out to the writers out there struggling with writer's block for the fifth time this week. Firstly, I'd like to say hang in there. You're doing great and even if you have writer's block, you're making progress in that mystical writing realm in that head of yours. Secondly, don't get discouraged! There are an abundance of resources available to help you move past it and to get those creative juices flowing. Lastly, keep in mind that everything I suggest is only a suggestion. Everyone has their own creative processes so this list is a be-all-end-all list of things that are guaranteed to work for everyone.

1) Meditation

Light an aromatic candle or use an oil diffuser that has a calming sent, like lavender. You can use incense as well if that's your personal preference. Play some music that calms you. For some it'll be a soft piano instrumental like anything written by Yiruma, for others some Metallica. Whatever it is, make sure it's something that can help get your heart rate down enough to relax. Then you can participate in a calming exercise like yoga or deep breathing. I personally prefer to use Tai-Chi since I have to focus more on becoming grounded to perform the moves properly.

2) Take A Break

I know what you're thinking, I have writer's block! I'm already taking a break. The problem there is that you really aren't. You're consistently battling the block, trying to push past it and focusing all of your energy on trying to get further in your story. Even if you're blocked, your mind is on the story. So, really, take a break from it. Write something else for a while even if it's meaningless garbage. If you're artistic in other ways, focus on those activities. Work on your painting/drawing, finish learning to play that song on the guitar, or learn the harmonies to Bohemian Rhapsody. Dance your heart out. Then come back to the paper.

3) Use A Writing Program

I know most of these stink. It's hard to find one that can actually keep you on task. The one I like to use is called Fighter's Block. It's designed to help combat writer's block. You battle a monster as you type. It has different settings for different paced writer's and different word counts depending on how much you want to write. You can save your work and pause fighting the monster as well. So coffee breaks will still be a thing.

4) Listen To Video Game Instrumentals

This one is a little weird but it works for a lot of people, myself included. The music gets more intense as a boss battle comes into play on the video game, so while listening, you subconsciously pick up on the intensity. This translates into your writing making fight scenes, or the more dramatic scenes that much more intense. When it's calmer, it helps to improve normal dialogue.

5) Talk About It

I know as writer's, we don't want anyone to see what we've written before we've finished it/edited to death. Sometimes, even showing it in general is a huge challenge. However, sometimes talking about where you're stuck and where you want the story to go with someone else helps move it forward. They can give outside suggestions which may get your motor ticking in the right direction again.